Handala intercepted by Israeli military -crew with humanitarian aid for children in Gaza detained

Israeli Military Attacks Handala in International Waters, Abducts 21 Unarmed Civilians

After the solidarity vessel Madleen was illegally attacked by Israeli military forces in international waters while trying to deliver humanitarian aid to the starving population in Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla Handala was intercepted as well closely before it could reach its destination board.

This was confirmed by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which stated that its “civilian vessel Handala, en route to break Israel’s illegal, genocidal blockade on Palestinians in Gaza, has been violently intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters about forty nautical miles from Gaza. At 23:43 EEST Palestine time“.

It was reported that “the Occupation cut the cameras on board Handala and we have lost all communication with our ship. The unarmed boat was carrying life-saving supplies when it was boarded by Israeli forces, its passengers abducted, and its cargo seized. The interception occurred in international waters outside Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, in violation of international maritime law.“

The Handala carried 21 civilians representing 12 countries, including parliamentarians, lawyers, journalists, labor organizers, environmentalists, and other human rights defenders.

the crew has already announced in advance that it will go on hunger strike, if they were attacked by the Israeli military and refuse all kind of offers made to them.

More news:

https://freedomflotilla.org/2025/07/26/israeli-military-attacks-handala-in-international-waters/