The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international humanitarian advocacy group, has launched a new multi-vessel mission aimed at reaching Gaza by October, challenging what it describes as Israel's illegal blockade of the territory. Two ships are already en route — the Handala II, which toured Scandinavian ports in June and July, and the Kate, which departed Bristol and has since called at ports in Ireland, Germany and France, with stops in Spain, Portugal and Italy still planned. The mission comes amid severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where UNICEF estimates over 82 percent of families lack reliable access to water, and despite a pattern of Israeli interceptions that have resulted in the detention of more than 600 flotilla participants over the past year and documented allegations of ill-treatment by Amnesty International.