Freedom Flotilla Vessel Departs From Bristol to Challenge Gaza Siege

Frank Romano, who works with the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Gaza, reports that Israel has seized most vessels attempting to deliver aid. In Bristol, United Kingdom, supporters gathered at Hannover Quay to send off "Kate", a vessel carrying Freedom Flotilla activists aiming to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.

Among those bidding farewell to the 12 activists on board were Swee Ang, a doctor and founder of Medical Aid for Palestinians; Welsh nurse Leigh Evans, known from online footage kneeling before Egyptian soldiers in June 2025 to plead for aid delivery; and David Miller, a professor who recently won a legal battle against the University of Bristol over his anti-Zionist views.

Fiacc O Brolchain, the Irish captain of the vessel who was previously detained by Israeli forces earlier this year, recounted that his hearing aids were confiscated during interrogation. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition notes that Israel has intercepted or attacked every flotilla attempting to breach the blockade since 2010, seizing more than 75 solidarity ships and boats since October 2023 according to Frank Romano.

Frank Romano also owns "Handala", a vessel named after a character by Naji al-Ali, which was intercepted in July 2025. The Global Sumud Flotilla movement has seen participation from figures like Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who was detained alongside other passengers when the "Alma" was intercepted in October amid allegations of abuse, which Israel has denied.

Colm Byrne, an Irish activist participating in the mission again, shared accounts of previous interception over 1,000km from Gaza in April, detailing physical mistreatment during detention. Despite these hardships, activists remain determined to continue their mission to deliver aid.