Israeli navy also stopped the Handala, one of Freedom Flotilla’s ships, in international waters, on 9 June. The Handala joined a flotilla that attempted to breach the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. On board were 21 people, including 19 civil society activists from 12 different countries and two Al-Jazeera TV journalists. Authorities arrested two Australians, Tan Safi and Robert Martin. They were still on the ship when it was stopped. After the boarding, the Handala was towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition expressed its outrage at the Israeli raid. They assert that the Handala was attacked by the “Israeli occupation in international waters,” emphasizing that the ship was operating under international law. This incident has captivated the world, especially politicians and human rights defenders all across the globe.
Circumstances of the Interception
The Handala sailed from Syracuse, Italy, on July 13, hoping to arrive on Gaza’s shores and provide a ray of hope with humanitarian aid. It was intercepted by the Israeli navy before it was able to carry out its mission. The Israeli foreign ministry justified the interception, stating that the Handala was stopped from “illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza.”
We believe this interception was essential to protect the United States and to enforce international law,” an official told us. On the other hand, critics contend that these measures are reckless and illegal for depriving thousands of life-saving humanitarian aid that continues to be provided in the region.
The boarding of the Handala was a commando act. It prompted the arrest of its crew—including arrestees such as Greta Thunberg, a globally-recognized Swedish activist. Their presence created an immediate and highly charged reaction by supporters of the Freedom Flotilla mission.
Reactions from Activists and Politicians
In the aftermath of the interception, Tan Safi took to social media to share his outrage about the incident.
“I’ve been abducted and taken against my will by the Israeli military, or forces of a country that enables, profits from or protects Israel’s genocide and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza,” – Tan Safi.
Safi urged the Australian government to hold Israel accountable for its human rights violations. He called for his release and the release of all others held on the Handala.
“I appeal to everyone to put pressure on the Australian government to sanction Israel, to stop their participation in Israel’s war crimes, and to demand my release as well as the release of everyone aboard the Handala as soon as possible,” – Tan Safi.
Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), echoed the call and denounced Israeli forces’ “genocide.” He called the boarding a “kidnapping” that endangered the lives of two French MPs on board the vessel.
“Netanyahu’s thugs boarded Handala. They attack 21 unarmed people in territorial waters where they have no right,” – Jean-Luc Melenchon.
His remarks reflect an escalating impatience from international leaders at Israel’s attempts to evade accountability for its increasingly brazen military operations in international waters.
The Humanitarian Context
The conditions around Gaza have been characterized even by the World Health Organization as a “man-made crisis.” According to reports, starvation is becoming systemic for Palestinians as a result of sustained blockades and military violence. Humanitarian advocates insist that busting these blockades so critically needed humanitarian assistance can reach vulnerable populations is imperative.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition insists that their mission is truly centered on bringing humanitarian aid. They like to point out that Handala carried people from all walks of life. That group is as diverse as it sounds, including parliamentarians, labor leaders, journalists, and lawyers—all aimed at further educating the world on the plight of Palestinians.
“The ‘Handala’ was operating under international law, outside of Israeli jurisdiction,” – Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
In the context of the Handala, that apprehension has raised tensions even higher between Israel and activists. These activists are committed to using all necessary means to resist Israel’s maritime blockades. The story of this near miss has been making the rounds quickly. It raises important questions over international law, human rights and humanitarian action in active conflict areas.
