IDF Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla ‘Handala,’ Activists Detained in Ashdod

Israeli forces successfully brought the aid vessel Handala into Ashdod port on Sunday, following its interception in international waters. The ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was attempting to breach the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid. All 21 international crew members, including two French parliamentarians and two Al Jazeera journalists, were detained upon arrival.

The interception occurred late Saturday, approximately 40 nautical miles west of Gaza, with the IDF stating it was enforcing the maritime security blockade. Video livestreamed from the Handala shortly before midnight Saturday showed Israeli troops boarding the vessel. The coalition operating the ship described the interception as “violent” and claimed cameras and communications were cut. They assert that all cargo was non-military and intended for a population facing severe humanitarian challenges.

The Israeli legal rights group Adalah confirmed that its lawyers are in Ashdod and have met with 19 of the detained volunteers to provide legal consultation. Two dual Israeli-US citizens among the activists have been transferred to police custody. The activists had previously announced they would go on a hunger strike if intercepted.

This incident comes amidst heightened international criticism regarding the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and follows previous attempts by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to deliver aid. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has engaged with his Israeli counterpart regarding two Italian citizens aboard the vessel. Israel maintains its blockade is necessary to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza by Hamas, while critics argue it constitutes collective punishment.

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