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6d ago

Israel Detains 21 After Seizing Handala Aid Ship

Towed to Ashdod by the Israeli Navy, the UK-flagged Handala now faces deportation of its civilian crew under the Gaza maritime blockade.

A still from a livestream shows armored personnel intercepting the Handala, with those aboard surrendering immediately.
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The Israeli navy has brought the Handala to the port of Ashdod
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Overview

  • Israeli forces intercepted the Handala roughly 100 kilometers west of Gaza, detaining 21 activists and journalists including Christian Smalls, Emma Fourreau and Huwaida Arraf.
  • The flotilla mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition sought to deliver baby formula, food, diapers and medicine to Gaza, with aid agencies warning of mass starvation.
  • Officials dispute the legality of the boarding in international waters, with Israel citing a ‘legal maritime security blockade’ and activists alleging violations of international law.
  • This marks the latest in a series of interventions following the June seizure of the Madleen, which carried Greta Thunberg, highlighting a pattern of maritime enforcement.
  • Land and air aid corridors remain open, but UN agencies warn that Gaza’s population continues to suffer severe shortages after 11 weeks of maritime blockade.