on October 5, 2025, 1:09 pm
Gaza Freedom Flotilla
Journalists and Healthcare Workers Sail to Challenge Israel’s Siege and Media Blackout
media@freedomflotilla.org
Journalists and Healthcare Workers Sail to Challenge Israel’s Siege and Media Blackout
September 30, 2025 — A boat carrying dozens of international journalists and medical professionals from 25 countries has set sail for Gaza as part of the latest mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) to break Israel‘s illegal siege. The vessel, Conscience, bombed by Israel off the coast of Malta in May 2025, has returned to serve as a vehicle for medics and media determined to reach their colleagues in besieged Gaza.
For nearly two years, Israel has barred foreign journalists from entering Gaza, creating one of the most severe and sustained press blackouts in modern history. During this time, Israeli forces have targeted Palestinian journalists, killing over 270 and imprisoning countless more since October 2023.
Simultaneously, Israel has systematically dismantled Gaza’s healthcare system through relentless siege and bombardment. Hospitals and clinics have been destroyed, while Palestinian medical workers have been starved, abducted, tortured and killed. International medical teams are routinely barred from entering — and those few allowed in are prohibited from bringing lifesaving equipment and supplies.
“The Conscience is the latest and largest boat in this historic flotilla — and its name represents not only steadfast resistance to Israel’s illegal blockade, but a call to awaken the conscience of the world,” said Huwaida Arraf, FFC steering committee member aboard the ship.
“As journalists and medical professionals, we carry the responsibility to speak truth and preserve life. This mission is an appeal to our colleagues — and to the institutions that represent us globally — to break their silence, uphold their ethics, and stand on the right side of history,” said Dr. Ricardo Corradini, general surgeon from Italy.
The launch of the Conscience follows the departure of 10 boats that set sail for Gaza on September 25 and 27, organized jointly by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens. Together, these missions seek to break Israel’s illegal blockade, challenge the media blackout, and affirm the Palestinian people’s right to live in freedom and dignity.
We call on governments, international bodies, and global civil society to:
Demand safe passage for the Conscience and all vessels in the flotilla
Take urgent action to end Israel’s genocide in Gaza
Work to dismantle Israel’s illegal blockade and occupation of Palestine
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