Israeli forces stormed the Handala ship in international waters as it approached Gaza, cutting communications with the crew of 21 international activists.
Israeli occupation forces stormed the Handala ship on Saturday night as it approached the coast of the Gaza Strip, nearly one week after it set sail from the Italian port of Gallipoli.
Images circulating online show Israeli soldiers boarding the vessel, which was carrying international activists seeking to break the ongoing blockade on Gaza, now in its 17th year.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that the Israeli military attacked the Hanthala while it was still in international waters.
Before all communication with the vessel was lost, the crew sent a distress signal after Israeli forces began to approach.
#BREAKING Israel just Illegally kidnapped the crew of the Handala.
Israeli special forces Unit Shayetet 13 prepares to seize control of the Handala ship
HANDALA LATEST – ITS NOW BEING APPROACHED BY THE ISRAELIS 📸 https://t.co/ucMtEoLYvs pic.twitter.com/GeoKeySnT4
— War Intel (@warintel4u) July 26, 2025
Earlier in the evening, the International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza announced that an Israeli drone had been spotted hovering above the ship, following reports that Israeli forces were preparing to intercept it.
The committee warned that if the ship were seized, all those on board—including members of European parliaments, as well as artists and media figures—would begin an open-ended hunger strike in protest.
The Handala is carrying 21 international activists of various nationalities, in a renewed attempt to defy the Israeli-imposed blockade on Gaza and deliver a message of solidarity.
Since its departure last Sunday, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has been livestreaming the ship’s journey on its YouTube channel, sharing real-time radar data and updates with the public.
The Handala set sail on July 13 from the Italian port of Syracuse, briefly docking in Gallipoli on July 15 to address technical issues. It resumed its voyage on July 20.
On June 9, Israeli forces seized the Madleen in international waters as it attempted to deliver aid to Gaza. The 12 international activists on board were arrested and later deported after signing pledges not to return.
(PC, AJA)
