Israeli Commandos Intercept Handala Flotilla Ship | WATCH
“Handala” boarded in international waters, towed to Ashdod; Israel affirms blockade is lawful and necessary to prevent arms smuggling by Hamas
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In a swift and controlled operation late Saturday night, the Israeli Navy intercepted the vessel Handala. The ship, operated by the "Freedom Flotilla Coalition", had departed from Sicily carrying 19 people, including two Al Jazeera 'journalists' and two far-left French parliamentarians.
The vessel was intercepted approximately 100 kilometers west of Gaza and 50 kilometers from the Egyptian coast. Israeli forces boarded the ship without incident and towed it to Ashdod Port. All passengers were reported safe and are expected to be deported. The activists were live-streaming as Israeli soldiers boarded the ship. Moments later, their broadcasts were cut.
Israeli authorities reiterated that the naval blockade remains a legal and vital security measure to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into the coastal enclave. The Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation and noted the boat’s attempt to violate Israeli law and maritime sovereignty.
“Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous and undermine humanitarian coordination,” the ministry said.
The operation follows a similar interception last month, when the vessel Madleen, also part of the Freedom Flotilla, was stopped in international waters. Among the passengers was Greta Thunberg. The ship was towed to Ashdod, its aid was inspected and redirected to Gaza through official channels.
The flotilla organizers, backed by international activist networks and NGOs, claimed the operation was peaceful and accused Israel of acting illegally in international waters. However, Israel has consistently stated that the blockade complies with international law and has been recognized as lawful by various legal bodies.
Despite claims from Gaza health officials of widespread famine, Israeli authorities deny such claims and continue to coordinate humanitarian deliveries. Over the weekend, the IDF announced expanded aid operations and humanitarian pauses to enable additional United Nations convoys.
The Handala’s interception reflects Israel’s ongoing commitment to enforce its security policies, protect its coastal border, and ensure that aid is delivered responsibly and without political provocation.