Israeli special forces intercepted a vessel carrying pro-Palestinian activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) as they attempted to deliver food and medicine to Gaza.
According to the Israel Foreign Ministry, the ship, named Handala, was intercepted in international waters for attempting to breach the naval blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007.
The vessel, along with its 21-member international crew, was reportedly brought into the port of Ashdod in Israel on Sunday. Video uploaded by FFC shows activists on board with their hands raised as armed soldiers took control of the vessel.
Israeli forces illegally boarded ‘Handala’ in international waters, abducting 21 unarmed civilians.
Demand your government end its complicity in Israeli war crimes, ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and call for the immediate release of all crew members. pic.twitter.com/PSGDSPWznG— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) July 27, 2025
The FFC claims the passengers were “unarmed civilians” who were unlawfully seized by Israeli forces. The group has urged governments to intervene.
“Demand your government end its complicity in Israeli war crimes, ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and call for the immediate release of all crew members.”
In a post on X, the Israeli ministry confirmed that those on board the vessel had been brought to Israel and stated: “All passengers are safe.” It added: “Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.”
The incident marks the second time in two months that Israeli forces have stopped an FFC vessel.
In June, a yacht carrying 12 activists, including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg, was intercepted west of Gaza.
The Handala’s interception comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and increasing scrutiny of Israel’s aid restrictions. Since halting most deliveries in March, Israel has promoted an alternative distribution system, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been rejected by the United Nations and other aid groups.
