TEL AVIV – The Israeli defense forces have stopped an aid ship heading to Gaza, attempting to breach the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian area. This action led to the detention of 21 international activists and journalists, and the confiscation of cargo, which comprised baby formula, food, and medicine, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition on Sunday.
The coalition, which manages the Handala vessel, reported that the Israeli forces “forcibly intercepted” the vessel in international waters, approximately 40 nautical miles from Gaza, disabling the cameras and communication systems, just before midnight on Saturday.
The group stated that “all the cargo was non-military, meant solely for civilian use, and aimed for direct distribution to a population facing intentional starvation and a healthcare crisis due to Israel’s unlawful blockade,” in their released statement.
The Israeli military had no immediate comment. Israel’s Foreign Ministry posted on X early Sunday that the Navy stopped the vessel and was bringing it to shore.
It was the second ship operated by the coalition that Israel has prevented in recent months from delivering aid to Gaza, where food experts have for months warned of the risk of famine. Activist Greta Thunberg was among 12 activists on board the ship Madleen when it was seized by the Israeli military in June.
The ship’s interception comes as Israel faces mounting international criticism over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, with concern growing over rising hunger in the territory amid Israeli restrictions on aid.
A regional human rights group, Adalah, said the raid on the vessel violated international law. It demanded the immediate release of the 21 activists, including lawmakers and human rights campaigners, from 10 countries.
“The flotilla never entered Israeli territorial waters, nor was it intended to do so; it was headed toward the territorial waters of the State of Palestine, as recognized under international law,” Adalah said in a statement. “Israel has no legal jurisdiction or authority over the international waters in which the vessel was sailing.”
Adalah demanded immediate disclosure of the activists’ location and legal status.
Lawmaker Nicola Fratoianni, of a left-wing environmentalist party, called on the Italian government to ensure the safety of the two Italians on board.
Also on board were seven U.S. citizens, including a human rights attorney, a Jewish U.S. war veteran and a Jewish-American activist, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
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