Overview
- The Handala was boarded about 70 nautical miles off Gaza on July 26 and is being held at Ashdod Port.
- All 21 civilians on board, including European MPs, activists and two Al Jazeera journalists, were detained by Israeli naval forces.
- The seized cargo of baby formula, diapers, food and medicine was confiscated pending review and rerouting through official aid channels.
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the flotilla attempt unlawful and said the naval blockade complies with international law.
- United Nations agencies and rights groups warn Gaza is on the brink of mass starvation and demand unimpeded humanitarian access.