The Freedom Fleet to Gaza, supported by the Palestinian liberation movement, announced that it is postponing its current journey to Gaza until 2027 due to technical issues and delays in repairs. This decision comes as the fleet has been attempting to reach Gaza, but mechanical problems have hindered the continuation of the journey.
Reasons for the Journey Delay
The organizing group of the Freedom Fleet to Gaza stated that due to technical problems and the need for repairs, the remaining time window for the journey has become limited, and for this reason, they have decided to prepare for a renewed attempt in 2027. The group clarified in a statement: "After mechanical issues and necessary repairs that delayed the journey, the fleet has decided to prepare for a renewed attempt to reach Gaza in 2027."
Read more: Bulgarian Navy Deployed to Find Evidence at the Site of the Attack on Ships
Current Activities of the Freedom Fleet
While the journey to Gaza has been postponed, the Freedom Fleet will continue to undertake shorter trips across Europe to raise public awareness and urge national governments to apply more pressure on Israel regarding Palestinian rights. The group has also planned to return to the Eastern Mediterranean to protest the long-standing maritime blockade by Israel against the shores of Gaza.
Frank Romano, one of the volunteers on one of the fleet's ships, said: "We were heading to Gaza, and the end of this journey without reaching our goal is painful. The commitment that has driven us to this journey remains strong."
The Freedom Fleet to Gaza has attempted to break the blockade of Gaza over the past 16 years and has faced various obstacles, including interventions by the Israeli Navy. In previous efforts, the fleet has encountered military interventions by Israel in international waters, and in some cases, its members have been transferred to Israeli territories.
The last major effort by this group was the Global Samud Fleet in 2025, which faced a potential drone attack while anchoring near Malta. Although a fire occurred, no injuries were reported, and the mission continued. All ships of this fleet were stopped by Israeli forces until early October 2025.
Read more: Attacks on Commercial Ships in the Black Sea Threaten Regional Trade · Mohammad Jafar Qaimpanah: Iran's Dairy Exports to Neighboring Countries Continue
