Israeli 'thugs' board Gaza-bound aid ship Handala in international waters

Israeli forces intercepted the Handala aid ship en route to Gaza, detaining activists, journalists and European politicians

By Elis Gjevori

Published date: 26 July 2025

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-thugs-board-gaza-bound-aid-ship-international-waters

Israeli troops stormed the Gaza-bound Handala vessel in international waters on Saturday, halting its attempt to deliver aid to Palestinians in the besieged enclave.

The raid was broadcast live by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, showing soldiers confronting unarmed passengers as they sat on deck with their hands raised, singing the anti-fascist anthem “Bella Ciao”.

The Handala, carrying 19 activists, including European MPs and two Al Jazeera journalists, was intercepted roughly 100 kilometres west of Gaza, and around 50 kilometres off Egypt’s coast. Activists say the boat was carrying humanitarian supplies and attempting to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza.

“There is no threat from our side,” one crew member said during the broadcast, which was cut shortly after troops boarded the ship.

A video released by the flotilla captured an exchange between Israeli forces and Palestinian-American human rights lawyer Huwaida Arraf. “This is a civilian vessel,” she said. “In international law, any blockade that deliberately starves a civilian population is a violation of international law.”

“You are deliberately starving civilians and children before the eyes of the world,” she added, accusing Israel of violating its responsibilities under international humanitarian law.

French MEP Emma Fourreau, also on board, posted on X that Israeli ships had approached the vessel and that she and others planned to throw their phones into the sea. Al Jazeera Arabic later reported three Israeli naval vessels had moved in after a drone was spotted overhead.

A livestream later showed at least six Israeli soldiers boarding the vessel. Those on board appeared calm, wearing life jackets and sitting with arms raised.

Israeli officials had earlier stated their intent to enforce what they claim a “legal maritime security blockade” on Gaza. The military has yet to issue an official statement on the operation.

Among those detained were French MPs Fourreau and Gabrielle Cathala. Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of their party France Unbowed, denounced the storming by Israeli troops. "Netanyahu's thugs boarded Handala. They attack 21 unarmed people in territorial waters where they have no right. A kidnapping in which two French parliamentarians are victims," he posted on X.

Melenchon demanded the French government take action.

The Handala’s crew had said in advance they would launch a hunger strike if detained. Gaza remains under siege, with aid agencies warning of mass starvation.

The incident echoes a similar event on 9 June, when Israeli forces intercepted another Freedom Flotilla ship, the Madleen, which carried 12 activists, including Greta Thunberg.