Freedom Flotilla vessel departs Bristol in bid to challenge Gaza blockade
A boat called “Kate” set sail from Bristol carrying activists who intend to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
On Sunday, a crowd at Hannover Quay in Bristol watched the Freedom Flotilla’s boat “Kate” leave southern England with a crew of 12 activists seeking to breach Israel’s Gaza blockade. The group included doctor Swee Ang, nurse Leigh Evans—known for a viral 2025 video pleading with Egyptian soldiers—and academic David Miller, who recently won a case against the University of Bristol over anti-Zionist speech. Irish captain Fiacc O Brolchain, previously detained by Israeli forces, reported his hearing aids were confiscated during interrogation.
Legal advocate Frank Romano noted that Israeli forces have intercepted over 75 solidarity vessels since October 2023, recovering only two, and highlighted his own ship “Handala” was seized in July 2025. The broader Global Sumud Flotilla, costing $24 million, has launched several missions, with high-profile participants such as Greta Thunberg, who alleged abuse during a 2025 detention. Activist Colm Byrne described physical mistreatment during a prior interception but said it pales compared with the conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners.
Why it matters
The launch underscores ongoing international attempts to challenge Israel's Gaza blockade and highlights the risks faced by humanitarian activists.
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