Israeli forces attacks Handala vessel in international waters, detain activists en route to Gaza
Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemns interception of Handala vessel carrying aid to Gaza, calls detention unlawful
ATHENS, Greece (MNTV) — Israeli forces attacked the humanitarian vessel Handala in international waters, seized its aid cargo, and detained 21 civilians en route to Gaza, in direct violation of international maritime law.
The incident occurred approximately 40 nautical miles off the Gaza coast. Communication with the vessel was lost after its onboard cameras were reportedly cut by Israeli forces, according to the coalition statement.
The Handala was carrying food, baby formula, diapers, and medical supplies intended for Palestinians in Gaza, where severe shortages have been reported amid an ongoing blockade regularly orchestrated by Israel. All cargo was described as strictly civilian and non-military.
The detained passengers represent 12 countries and include parliamentarians, lawyers, journalists, labor organizers, environmentalists, and human rights advocates.
Notable individuals include Christian Smalls, founder of the Amazon Labor Union (US); Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian-American human rights attorney; Gabrielle Cathala, a French parliamentarian; and Mohamed El Bakkali, a senior journalist with Al Jazeera.
Other passengers include activists and professionals from the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Norway, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, Morocco, and Iraq. Many had publicly stated that they would undertake a hunger strike if detained.
This interception marks the third confrontation between Israeli forces and Freedom Flotilla missions in 2025.
In May, the civilian aid ship Conscience was damaged in a reported Israeli drone strike in European waters, injuring four people.
In June, the Madleen was seized, and 12 passengers—including a Member of the European Parliament—were taken into Israeli custody.
Coalition representatives argue that the detention is unlawful, citing binding International Court of Justice rulings that require states to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
“Israel has no legal authority to detain international civilians aboard the Handala,” said Ann Wright, a member of the Freedom Flotilla’s steering committee. “This is not an internal Israeli matter. These individuals are foreign nationals, operating in international waters under international law. Their detention is arbitrary and must end.”
Israel has not issued an immediate public response regarding the interception or the status of the detainees.
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