Freedom Flotilla ship carrying aid to Gaza intercepted by Israel
The coalition that operates the vessel Handala said the Israeli military 'violently intercepted' the ship in international waters about 40 nautical miles from Gaza, cutting the cameras and communication just before midnight on Saturday.
'All cargo was non-military, civilian and intended for direct distribution to a population facing deliberate starvation and medical collapse under Israel's illegal blockade,'' the group said in a statement.
The Israeli military had no immediate comment. Israel's Foreign Ministry posted on social media early on Sunday that the Navy stopped the vessel and was bringing it to shore.
It was the second ship operated by the coalition that Israel has prevented in recent months from delivering aid to Gaza, where food experts have for months warned of the risk of famine. Activist Greta Thunberg was among 12 activists on board the ship 'Madleen' when it was
seized by the Israeli military in June
Australian doctor Mohamed Mustafa addresses a press conference holding a prosthesis on the Freedom Flotilla ship Handala, ahead of the boat's departure for Gaza at a port in Syracuse, Sicily, southern Italy, on July 13, 2025. Photo: AFP
The ship's interception comes as Israel faces mounting international criticism over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, with concern growing over rising hunger in the territory amid Israeli restrictions on aid.
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