3 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Video: Israeli army halts aid ship delivering food and toys to Gaza
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced that Israeli forces have intercepted an aid ship which was heading to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza Strip while it was in international waters, according to international media.
Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed al-Baqali said that the Israeli forces stormed the ship, named 'Handala.'
He added that the state of emergency was activated at its maximum level on board of the ship, while the Israeli Navy threatened to seize the ship by force.
The ship was carrying 21 international activists of various nationalities.
Carrying medicine, food, and toys
French-American activist Frank Romano said the ship was carrying toys, food, water, and medicine, particularly for the children of Gaza, and added that the situation in the strip was horrific.
On July 13, the 'Handala' aid ship set sail from the Italian port of Syracuse, before docking at the port of Gallipoli on July 15 to overcome some technical issues. It then set sail again on July 20 toward Gaza, carrying 21 activists.
Earlier on June 9, Israeli forces seized the Madleen ship in international waters while it was en route to besieged Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. The 12 international activists on board were arrested.
Israel later deported the activists on condition that they pledge not to return.
