Israel Seizes Handala Aid Ship Carrying 21 Activists Off Gaza

The Israeli military intercepted and seized the Handala, a humanitarian aid ship from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, in international waters as it attempted to break the naval blockade of Gaza. The vessel, carrying 21 pro-Palestinian activists from multiple countries, including members of parliament and journalists, was transporting essential humanitarian supplies such as baby formula, food, and medicine. Israeli forces boarded the ship after warning the crew and subsequently brought the vessel to Ashdod port, detaining its passengers and confiscating equipment and communication devices. The coalition described the mission as peaceful and dedicated to the children of Gaza, while Hamas condemned the interception as an act of piracy and terrorism, highlighting the ongoing siege and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Activist Huwaida Arraf, aboard the Handala, denounced the blockade as a war crime shortly before the raid, emphasizing the ship carried only humanitarian aid. This incident follows a similar interception of another Freedom Flotilla vessel, the Madleen, earlier in June 2025.