UK war crimes unit urged to investigate Israeli attack on Gaza aid ship
Hind Rajab Foundation files a legal complaint over violent interception of British-flagged vessel by Israel
LONDON (MNTV) – The Hind Rajab Foundation has submitted a formal war crimes complaint to the U.K.’s Metropolitan Police War Crimes Unit, demanding an immediate investigation into Israel’s assault on the Handala, a British-flagged humanitarian ship intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
The Handala, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was forcibly boarded by Israeli naval forces on the night of July 26–27, approximately 100km off Gaza’s coast.
According to legal advocacy group Adalah, Israeli commandos from the elite Shayetet 13 unit used violent means to seize control of the vessel and divert it to the Israeli-occupied port of Ashdod, in what Adalah described as a “grave violation of international law.”
All 21 passengers and crew—including elected officials and journalists—were detained and forcibly taken to Israel.
Among them were Chloé Fiona Ludden, a British volunteer; Emma Fourreau, a European Parliament member; Gabrielle Cathala, a French MP; and activist Jacob Berger.
The humanitarian cargo onboard—including baby formula, food, and medical supplies—was confiscated, and all communications were cut immediately after the boarding.
Filed under the Geneva Conventions Act 1957 and the International Criminal Court Act 2001, the complaint calls for a war crimes investigation into the actions of Vice Admiral David Saar Salama and commanders of Shayetet 13.
The foundation is demanding that U.K. authorities identify, question, and, where jurisdiction allows, prosecute those responsible.
Since the Handala flew the British flag, its seizure in international waters is being viewed as a violation of U.K. sovereignty.
The foundation argues that the assault breaches both the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Fourth Geneva Convention, in direct contradiction to International Court of Justice rulings from 2024 that require unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.
In its complaint, the Hind Rajab Foundation urged British officials to:
- Open a full criminal investigation
- Interview all 21 detainees, prioritizing British nationals
- Issue arrest warrants and add suspects to international watchlists
- Coordinate with Interpol, the International Criminal Court, and UN mechanisms for enforcement
The foundation also framed the incident as part of a broader pattern of unlawful repression, referencing Israel’s 2010 Mavi Marmara raid and the more recent Madleen case.
“This was not just an attack on civilians,” the foundation said in a statement.
“It was an assault on humanitarianism, international law, and the principle that aid delivery is not a crime.”
The Handala, a former fishing vessel, departed from Malmö, Sweden, with the goal of breaking Israel’s blockade on Gaza and delivering life-saving supplies. The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to challenging illegal state violence and defending international legal norms.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
