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3w ago

Israel Seizes Gaza-Bound Aid Ship in International Waters, Detains 21

Docked at Ashdod Port, the Handala holds 21 unarmed civilians now detained pending deportation as Israel enforces what it calls a legal maritime blockade, rerouting the vessel’s limited aid cargo through land crossings.

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 naval forces intercepted and boarded the Handala in international waters about 50 nautical miles from Gaza on July 26, then towed it to Ashdod Port.
  • The UK-flagged vessel carried 21 unarmed civilians, including activists, medics, European parliamentarians and two Al Jazeera journalists who livestreamed the raid.
  • Cargo designed to deliver baby formula, diapers, food and medicine to Gaza was confiscated and is set to be rerouted through Israel’s existing land-based aid channels.
  • Israel’s Foreign Ministry defended the operation as legal enforcement of its maritime security blockade and warned that unauthorized seaborne aid attempts are dangerous.
  • The Handala’s seizure mirrors a similar June operation against the Madleen flotilla, underscoring repeated challenges to breaking Gaza’s naval embargo.