On June 9, the Israeli navy intercepted the Handala, a ship from the Freedom Flotilla. The majority of this incident occurred in international waters. The ship successfully challenged the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. Onboard were 21 people in total—19 activists from 12 different countries, two Al-Jazeera journalists, and Greta Thunberg, Sweden’s most famous activist. After the interception, the Israeli navy forced the Handala to port in Ashdod.
The incident has mobilized unprecedented levels of international interest. This is chiefly due to the fact that two Australians, Tan Safi and Robert Martin, were held during the action. Eyewitness testimony Eyewitnesses from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition characterize the interception as an attack on unarmed civilians. In response, they note that this story happened in international waters.
Background of the Mission
The Handala departed from Syracuse, Italy, on July 13 with a clear mission: to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza while challenging the Israeli blockade. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition emphasized that the Handala was acting in accordance with international law. It was further away from Israeli jurisdiction, and it had a more diverse contingent onboard, including foreign parliamentarians, journalists and peace activists.
Things had gone too far when the Israeli navy boarded the Handala and detained its crew. The Israeli foreign ministry justified their actions by stating that the vessel was stopped from “illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza.” Further, this exceptional action has cast doubt upon the applicability of maritime law and the immunity of humanitarian missions.
“The ‘Handala’ was operating under international law, outside of Israeli jurisdiction, carrying parliamentarians, labour leaders, journalists, lawyers, and organisers,” – Freedom Flotilla Coalition
Reactions to the Interception
The interception has elicited one of the strongest bipartisanship reactions from political leaders and civil rights organizations. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of leftist France Unbowed (LFI), denounced the actions of the Israeli military. He termed the seizure a “kidnapping” that unfairly singled out two French senators on board the ship. He condemned the operation, denouncing it as a brutal military assault against unarmed peoples.
“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,” – Jean-Luc Melenchon
The World Health Organization, in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, recently declared the situation as “man-made.” By highlighting the draconian starving realities imposed on the Palestinian people. The protracted blockade has worsened these conditions, sharply increasing international pressure on Israel’s military occupation.
Statements from Detained Activists
As this crisis continued to develop, Tan Safi recorded these reflections on his anguish from detention. He recalled feeling taken hostage by the Israeli military, saying he was worried about being picked up and never returned. He called on the international community to hold the Australian government to account. He called for sanctions against Israel, and for the release of everyone who was detained on the Handala.
“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 called on the people of Australia and the world to act now, in solidarity with the citizens of both nations. He made clear that their mission was purely humanitarian and based in international law.
“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
The Israeli foreign ministry issued a vehement condemnation of the mission, calling it “dangerous” and “unlawful.” They claimed that it jeopardizes essential humanitarian work throughout the region.
