Israel may still have Madleen aid ships. But organizers are already planning their next trip to Gaza

Madleen is a boat caught by Israeli troops and may still be stuck at a port near the Israeli coast on its way to Gaza. But the militants driving IT are busy planning their next attempt – despite another ship.

Named after the famous fishermen in Gaza, Madeline aims to provide symbolic assistance and draw attention to the plight of the enclave, which has been 20 month war. This is the 36th expedition of the Freedom Flotilla Alliance (FFC) since 2008.

But while the team is waiting for officials to hear the identity of the ship, FFC member Zohar Chamberlain Regev repaired another boat in Sicily for another expedition to Gaza.

The group is trying to sail the ship from Norway to Gaza in 2024, known as Handala. The trip ended early in Malta because they felt the ship was too old to travel. But they will try again from Sicily soon.

Regev told CBC News: “Our…main goal is to send a message of solidarity and encouragement to the Palestinian resistance movement.

There are few successes in voyage to Gaza

Over the years, Israeli forces have captured many FFC ships. Getting them back involves time in court – even then, there is no guarantee.

Madleen is the third ship Regev must appear in court. The Frankfurt-based Israeli citizen, who is its registered owner, said she has not heard anything from the authorities.

“But whenever they do [reach out],” she said, “I told them that the ship was heading to Gaza. They have no business. ”

The group's first five expeditions, in 2008, were the only expedition team that successfully sent to Gaza and exited Gaza. Since 2009, Regev said no ship can reach the coast of the enclave.

“Some ships were hit at sea and rescued; some ships were returned to the owner by profession.”

She said the group had reused the returned ships or sold them to future events.

The status of aid is unclear

The FFC said aid on board would not normally enter Gaza. Regev said she had no information about Madleen tops.

Israeli authorities did not respond to Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's request for comment on aid. But they had previously told Reuters that it would be sent to Gaza through what they call “real humanitarian channels.”

Regev said that despite many unsuccessful attempts, she firmly pursued the league's goals.

“We do this because we thank us for the freedom to really do things,” she said. “Think of a genocide, a genocide committed by my own people, I sit here safely and do nothing.” (Israel Always denied It committed genocide in Gaza. )

She did not elaborate on the strategy of the group’s upcoming trip. But she said the alliance will continue to try to sail its ship to Gaza until an Israeli blockade rises.

One reason, different reality

For Madleen Kolab, 31, the ocean has always been her life because she is a little girl who learns how to fish from her father. After he fell ill at the age of 13, she took her position. She said she is The first and only fisherman in Gaza.

She told CBC Freedom Photographer Mohamed El Saife that she told CBC Freedom Photographer Mohamed El Saife as they walked along the coast of the beach in Gaza.

The mother of four is pregnant with her fifth child and says she can hardly find food to feed the child. She said the war made her too dangerous and it would be hard for her to pay for essentials as food costs in Gaza soared.

She closely watched the journey of the ship of the same name and expected its arrival and promised assistance.

“We were very sad when we heard the ship was intercepted,” she said. “If the ship arrives, it means life to us.”

Korab sat on the beach as the tide rushed in. Passing through the Mediterranean of Sicily, Regev is preparing for the 37th game of the team to set sail. Although the two women are tied together for one reason, they live in very different realities.

“I hope that when it sails, the war will end and the siege is broken and we can see it,” Korab said.