IOF boards Handala ship, activists vow 'not to sit by'
3 Min Read
Activists aboard the Handala, a Gaza-bound aid vessel, say they are prepared for interception by Israeli forces, fully aware of the risks but determined to make a powerful humanitarian and symbolic statement.
-
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) as they board the Handala on July 26, 2025. (Social media)
The Israeli Navy has intercepted a second aid flotilla attempting to break the blockade on Gaza.
The intercepted vessel, known as the Handala, was part of an international effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Activists aboard the ship hoped to draw global attention to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and to challenge "Israel’s" ongoing blockade.
Israeli media reported within the past hour that the Navy had deployed two vessels to surround the Handala, accompanied by an overhead surveillance drone. The ship was ultimately boarded by Israeli forces. Details about the final destination of the vessel and the status of those on board are emerging, though previous incidents suggest they may be redirected to the Israeli port of Ashdod, just north of Gaza.
🚨 l’armée la plus immorale du monde vient d’intercepter en toute illégalité le bateau #Handala de la @GazaFFlotilla ! pic.twitter.com/FbhEiJGRJd
— Rima Hassan (@RimaHas) July 26, 2025
This is the second aid flotilla intercepted in recent weeks. Around 40 days ago, a similar vessel named the Madleen was seized under comparable circumstances. All those aboard the Madleen were reportedly detained and later deported to their countries of origin.
Activists aboard the Handala, a Gaza-bound aid vessel, say they are prepared for interception by Israeli forces, fully aware of the risks but determined to make a powerful humanitarian and symbolic statement.
A livestream broadcast by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition showed at least six Israeli soldiers boarding the ship. The passengers—activists from several countries—could be seen sitting calmly together, wearing life jackets and raising their hands in a peaceful posture.
The “Handala” freedom flotilla carrying humanitarian aid has been illegally boarded and detained by the Israeli army in international waters, about one hundred kilometers off the shores of Gaza. 🇵🇸 🇵🇸🇵🇸#AllEyesOnHandala #HandalaToGaza #HandalaFlotilla #Handala #Gaza #Palestine pic.twitter.com/28NguKCSAt
— Tony Tracy (@Tony_Tracy) July 26, 2025
Emma Fourreau, a French member of the European Parliament and part of the Handala crew, confirmed on social media that Israeli forces had approached. “The Israeli army is here,” she wrote on X, adding that she and other activists were prepared to throw their phones overboard to prevent their contents from being seized.
According to Israeli media reports, officials warned the vessel it would be seized if it did not turn back.
The Handala, which set sail from Gallipoli, Italy, is carrying 21 passengers, including six Americans. Organizers say the mission is not just about delivering aid to Gaza but about challenging the blockade and urging the international community to act.
Earlier today, activists aboard the Handala confirmed they were nearing the point where the previous flotilla, Madleen, had been intercepted, and said they expect to be stopped soon.
"Israel" has a history of blocking Freedom Flotillas from reaching Gaza. In May, a drone attack targeted the MV Conscience near Malta. In June, the ship Madleen was intercepted by Israeli naval forces, who detained 12 activists onboard.
The Handala has just been illegally intercepted by the Zionist entity of Israel while carrying baby formula to starving children pic.twitter.com/2awEkXXLwp
— Thiago Ávila | Gaza Freedom Flotilla (@thiagoavilabr) July 26, 2025
