Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
A boat carrying activists, including two Australians, has been intercepted by Israeli forces, Israel’s foreign ministry has confirmed.
A pro-Palestinian activist group claims the crew of the vessel, dubbed Handala, is being held in “unlawful” detention after attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reports that the ship, with 21 activists on board, including Australian journalist Tan Safi and activist Robert Martin, was intercepted in international waters around 40 nautical miles from Gaza.

A group of people on a boat wearing life jackets

Two Australians were on board the boat, Handala, when it was intercepted by the Israeli navy. Credit: Supplied

SBS News has not been able to independently verify the vessel’s location at the interception point.

The scene was livestreamed by the group on social media and appears to show the activists holding up their hands as soldiers board the vessel before the video feed is cut.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed the two Australians were on the boat.
“DFAT is aware two Australians were on board the Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel Handala, along with 19 others,” they said.
“Our officials in Tel Aviv are liaising with authorities, and consular officers stand ready to offer assistance to affected Australians.”
The refurbished fishing boat had departed from Malmö, Sweden, aiming to breach the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza and deliver aid supplies such as baby formula, nappies, food, and medicine to Palestinians in the besieged territory.
The Israeli foreign ministry said its navy had stopped the ship from “illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza”.
“The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. All passengers are safe,” a post on X read.
“Unauthorised attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.”
A man holds onto the side of a ship. He is wearing a blue t-shirt with white writing on it that reads: Bombing kids is not self defense

Robert Martin is one of the two Australians who were on board the Handala as it sailed towards Gaza. Source: Getty / Anadolu

In a social media post prior to the boat being intercepted, Martin said the group’s aim was to deliver aid to Palestinians.

“We are a non-violent movement, we are delivering aid,” he said.
“To the world, if something happens, we were trying to shine a light on what’s happening in Palestine and in particular, Gaza.”
In a more deadly episode in 2010, nine activists aboard a flotilla the Mavi Marmara were reportedly shot by Israeli soldiers. Five of them died.
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like
Jeffrey Epstein's sprawling Zorro Ranch, where he was seen in a photo released by the Department of Justice, has long been the subject of intrigue due to allegations that it was the site of human experimentation and the killing of trafficked women

Unveiling Epstein’s Enigmatic Estate: The Caretaker Couple’s Disappearance and the Dark Secrets of Zorro Ranch

The enigmatic stewards of Zorro Ranch were responsible for more than simply…

Russia Rejoins Paralympic Games Amidst Opening Ceremony Boycott by 16 Nations

In brief Countries including Ukraine have boycotted parts of the games in…

Record Middle East Arrivals: Costly Taxi Exodus Highlights Growing Migration Challenges

in brief Since Wednesday, 1,324 Australians have returned home on eight flights…

Breaking News: Kristi Noem Replaced as Homeland Security Chief by Trump – What This Means for America’s Future

In brief US homeland security secretary Kristi Noem will leave her role…
Donald Trump

Trump Predicts Imminent Political Shift in Cuba

US President Donald Trump told CNN on Friday morning (Saturday morning AEDT)…
Country by country, here's how the unfolding war is affecting the Middle East and beyond

Unraveling the Impact: How the Middle East Conflict is Reshaping Global Dynamics, Country by Country

The broadening Iran war has ricocheted across the region and beyond, with…

UN Peacekeepers Injured in South Lebanon Amid Accusations Against Israel

In brief Lebanon’s president and an NGO director have accused Israel of…
Emergency services combed the scene at Mernda Station.

Shocking Melbourne Train Station Brawl: Teens Charged with Murder in Tragic Incident

A young security guard who tried to stop a robbery on his…
DFAT Assistant Minister Matt Thistlewaite.

Qatar to Saudi Arabia: Lifeline Buses Aid Stranded Australians Amid Travel Crisis

The Australian Government will start bus transit services from Qatar to the…

Australia Enforces New Hate Speech Laws: Hizb ut-Tahrir Banned Following ASIO Recommendations

in brief Home affairs minister said the group has been spreading hate…
Jamie Dunn was the larger-than-life character behind the beloved puppet Agro.

Legendary Puppeteer Jamie Dunn, Voice of Iconic Agro, Passes Away at 75

Jamie Dunn, the charismatic entertainer known for bringing the cherished puppet Agro…
In this satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC, smoke rises over Konarak Naval Basin, Iran, March 1, 2026.

Revealed: Unprecedented Satellite Footage Exposes US-Israeli Assaults on Iran

Satellite images have captured the extent of the joint US and Israeli…