Israeli Navy Intercepts ‘Handala’ Aid Flotilla Bound for Gaza
Second Humanitarian Vessel in Weeks Seized by Israel Amid Rising Global Outcry Over Gaza Blockade
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The Israeli Navy has intercepted the Handala, a humanitarian aid vessel attempting to break the 17-year blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The ship, part of a global initiative led by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was carrying international activists determined to deliver aid and raise awareness about the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This marks the second such interception in recent weeks, as Israel intensifies its crackdown on peaceful efforts to challenge its siege.
Interception Occurred in International Waters
Within the last hour, Israeli media confirmed that two naval vessels, backed by aerial drone surveillance, intercepted and surrounded the Handala. The ship was later boarded by at least six Israeli soldiers, according to a livestream broadcast by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
Activists on board, hailing from various countries including France and the United States, remained calm, wearing life jackets and raising their hands in a peaceful stance as the soldiers stormed the vessel.
The Handala, which set sail from Gallipoli, Italy, was reportedly nearing the area where the previous flotilla ship, Madleen, had been intercepted by Israeli forces just 40 days earlier.
Peaceful Activists Defy Naval Blockade with Humanitarian Mission
The 21 passengers on board included six American citizens and Emma Fourreau, a French Member of the European Parliament. Before the interception, Fourreau confirmed on social media that Israeli forces had approached.
“The Israeli army is here,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that activists were prepared to discard their phones to prevent Israeli authorities from seizing their private data.
The organizers emphasized that the flotilla’s mission was not only to deliver aid but to challenge the legitimacy of the blockade, which has been widely condemned by international human rights organizations.
“This voyage is a humanitarian and symbolic message to the world,” organizers said, stressing that the international community cannot remain silent in the face of the ongoing siege and starvation in Gaza.
A Pattern of Suppression: Freedom Flotillas Under Attack
This latest seizure follows the interception of the Madleen in June, during which 12 activists were detained and later deported. In May, the MV Conscience was reportedly targeted by an Israeli drone strike near Malta in an attempt to prevent its mission.
“Israel” has a long-standing policy of violently preventing aid flotillas from reaching Gaza. Despite claiming security concerns, critics argue the blockade constitutes collective punishment and exacerbates the humanitarian disaster in the besieged enclave.
The Handala’s interception adds to growing criticism of Israel’s actions in international waters, viewed by many as a violation of maritime and humanitarian law.
Rising Calls for International Accountability
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition and international human rights defenders are now calling on governments and global institutions to hold Israel accountable for obstructing humanitarian missions and escalating its naval aggression.
Observers note that these flotillas are nonviolent, civilian-led initiatives, involving lawmakers, medical professionals, and peace activists. The harsh Israeli response reflects a growing trend of silencing peaceful dissent and suppressing solidarity movements with the Palestinian people.
Gaza Remains Under Siege Amid Worsening Humanitarian Catastrophe
The blockade on Gaza has resulted in widespread starvation, fuel shortages, medical collapse, and displacement, exacerbated by ongoing military operations. Over 80% of Gaza’s population is now food insecure, and thousands of children face imminent risk of famine.
Despite these realities, humanitarian efforts continue to face military aggression, with little action from the international community.
As the world watches, the Handala joins a long line of vessels—and voices—intercepted, detained, and silenced, while the suffering in Gaza deepens. (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen