A delegation of human rights activists, including Australians Tan Safi and Robert Martin, just returned to Australia. They had been held by Israeli authorities while on the ship “Handala.” The ship was one of several ships in the Freedom Flotilla that tried to land humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The wrongful interception took place on Sunday while traveling through international waters. It took place some 50 kilometers from the Egyptian coastline and 100 kilometers west of Gaza, well outside of Israel’s territorial jurisdiction.
The “Handala,” carrying 21 activists from various countries, was intercepted by Israeli forces as it traveled to provide essential aid, including food, medicine, and prosthetics for children. The mission has been conceived to support civilian victims of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The escalated conflict has already created catastrophic food and medical shortages, rendering this support even more urgent.
Details of the Interception
On Sunday, “Handala” was violently intercepted by Israeli forces, who illegally commandeered the ship as it sailed in wholly unoccupied international waters. This move has led to substantial outrage over the legality of the interception since it took place beyond Israel’s territorial borders. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition insisted that the ship was acting within international law. It gathered together powerful stories from an impressive lineup of parliamentarians, labor leaders, journalists, lawyers and activists.
Safi and Martin were part of the approximately dozen detainees transferred to Givon Prison in Israel. The delegation consisted of two members of the European Parliament and two journalists. Their detention has raised awareness of how we continue to imprison human rights activists. It has further confused assertions of legality to intercept non-compliant vessels in international waters.
Accounts of Detention Experience
After they returned to Australia, Safi and Martin spoke about their traumatic experiences while in detention. They relayed being put through psychological trauma and living conditions that are humiliating. Safi described their experience fighting for food and water while in detention.
“We were on a hunger and water strike but the only time they offered food was once, and it was a tomato about this size,” – Ms. Safi
She went on to unpack the spirit behind their mission and detail the desperate situation that Gaza’s children are enduring.
“All we were doing was trying to bring some food, some medicine, some prosthetics to children who are being starved to death by Israel,” – Ms. Safi
Yet in describing what they went through, she made a serious error, casting doubt on the legality of their actions when intercepted.
“We were in international water at the time, and taken completely against our will and brutalised psychologically in every way,” – Ms. Safi
International Response and Implications
The interception of the “Handala” has sparked international interest, and for good reason, calling attention to how Israel treats humanitarian missions. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition vehemently denounced the actions taken against the vessel. They reiterated that their mission is based on international law – period.
The Coalition stated, “The ‘Handala’ was operating under international law, outside of Israeli jurisdiction, carrying parliamentarians, labour leaders, journalists, lawyers, and organisers.” This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding humanitarian efforts in conflict zones and the legal frameworks governing actions taken on international waters.
Human rights advocates are calling for accountability. Safi’s and Martin’s experiences illustrate the challenges of providing aid in any complex geopolitical conflict.
