JERUSALEM, July 27 — Israeli forces boarded a vessel named Handala, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, while it was en route to Gaza in a bid to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s naval blockade. The interception occurred in international waters and was livestreamed by activists before being abruptly cut.
According to a statement on X (formerly Twitter) by Israel’s foreign ministry, “The Israeli navy has stopped the vessel Navarn from illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza. The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. All passengers are safe.”
Video footage broadcasted live by the activists showed passengers peacefully sitting on the deck, hands raised, singing the Italian resistance anthem Bella Ciao before Israeli soldiers took control of the ship. Within minutes, all three live feeds were disrupted.
The Handala, approximately 100 km off the coast of Gaza and 50 km from Egypt when intercepted, was carrying 19 passengers — including two Al Jazeera journalists and several European lawmakers. Among the detained were French MPs Emma Fourreau and Gabrielle Cathala. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed (LFI), condemned the operation, labeling it a “kidnapping” and demanding a response from the French government.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition confirmed the interception, asserting the action took place in international waters and was “illegal.” The group had earlier declared that its members would initiate a hunger strike if detained by Israeli forces.
The activists sought to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN and NGOs warn of impending famine due to critical shortages of food and supplies. Israel maintains the blockade is a necessary security measure, stating any unauthorized attempts to breach it are unlawful and jeopardize ongoing aid efforts.
This marks the second such incident in recent weeks. On June 9, the Madleen, another Freedom Flotilla vessel carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others, was similarly intercepted and redirected to Ashdod Port. Those onboard were later deported.
