Freedom Flotilla Launches New Land Route Through Lebanon After Sea Blockade

Following the failure of their maritime attempt to reach Gaza, the pro-Palestinian "Freedom Flotilla" organization has announced a new strategy, launching a "new route" through Lebanon. Activists from the Italian branch of the flotilla traveled to the Ain el-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon on September 17th. There, they met with locals and announced a campaign to support the "Al-Nidaa Hospital" within the camp, which is managed by the Human Call Association. This initiative is a continuation of their "100 Ports - 100 Cities" campaign, which began in Taranto, Italy. The organization stated their visit was not merely humanitarian but aimed at forming alliances and supporting those resisting, wherever they may be. The activists also visited Sabra and Shatila, paying respects at the "cemetery of martyrs" and the grave of Ghassan Kanafani, a writer and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, coinciding with the 44th anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The "Freedom Flotilla" emphasized that this land route does not replace their original goal. Their ships are currently sailing through European ports, with plans to resume their journey towards Gaza in October. Planned stops include Spain, Portugal, and Italy, indicating a persistent effort to break the blockade of Gaza, shifting tactics from sea to land and back again.