Pro-Palestinian Ship 'Handala II' Collides in German Port, Fails to Reach Gaza

More than a year after the original 'Handala' ship was stopped en route to Gaza, a second vessel named 'Handala II' encountered significant difficulties and collided with a quay wall at the port of Kiel in northern Germany. The Danish news site Kiler Nachrichten reported that the activists aboard struggled to raise sufficient funds for the voyage, managing to collect only about 10% of their target before donations ceased.

The ship, formerly known as the Danish vessel 'Fru Sand,' departed from Marstal, Denmark, under the new name 'Handala II' with pro-Palestinian activists aiming to break the maritime blockade of Gaza, similar to previous flotillas that carried no aid supplies. However, the activists realized before leaving Europe that reaching Gaza was unlikely.

Upon arrival in Germany, the ship collided with the pier, causing significant damage to its engine, estimated at over 30,000 euros. Local rescue forces established a barrier around the ship, stating it would not be removed until the damage was repaired and the situation resolved. Milnehardt, the Kiel port manager, told the Danish site that the ship was unsuitable for the port and needed to leave promptly due to safety concerns, especially in strong winds. German police have opened an investigation into the crew on suspicion of damaging port infrastructure.

Despite these setbacks, the ship's captain, Jan Wolnik, insists they still plan to reach Gaza, approximately 3,000 kilometers away, by September or October at the latest, citing their mission "for the children in Gaza." Until the ship is released or repaired, the activists plan to hold demonstrations as close as possible to the damaged quay, with participation from the group Students for Palestine.