Failed to raise funds - and collided with a pier in Germany: "Handala II" will not reach Gaza

The protest ship "Handala II" was stranded at the port of Kiel in Germany after colliding with a pier and causing engine damage estimated at at least 30,000 euros. The fundraising campaign raised only 10% of its target. Police are investigating suspected damage to port infrastructure, and the barrier around the ship will only be removed after repairs are completed.

The ship "Handala II", named after the ship "Handala" that was detained over a year ago on its way to Gaza, encountered difficulties even before leaving Europe. The flotilla members, pro-Palestinian activists, departed from Marstal in Denmark aboard the Danish ship "Fru Sand" with the aim of breaking the naval blockade on the Strip, similar to previous flotillas that did not carry aid on board. However, the fundraising campaign they relied on raised only about 10% of the target, and donations ceased. When they reached the German coast, the activists collided with a pier and caused significant damage to the ship's engine, estimated at at least 30,000 euros. Local rescue forces placed a barrier around the ship, and the port manager of Kiel, Milenhardt, stated that "the ship is not suitable for staying in the port" and poses a danger in case of strong winds. The German police opened an investigation against the crew on suspicion of causing damage to port infrastructure. The ship's captain, Jan Wolnik, claims they still plan to reach Gaza, about 3,000 km away, in September or October at the latest, "for the children in Gaza." Until then, the flotilla members plan to protest near the damaged pier, with participation from members of the organization "Students for Palestine".