Activist Bargain Handala Stolen Off Gaza, Delivered to Israel

Israeli Navy Seizes Freedom Flotilla Vessel Handala at Ashdod Port

Intercepted in International Waters on 27 July 2025

The Israeli navy brought the pro‑Palestinian activist boat Handala to the Ashdod port after the vessel was seized in international waters. AFP photographers witnessed the crew’s detention, a report said.

• Israel’s foreign ministry claimed the naval blockade was halted to keep the ship from entering Gaza’s coastal zone.
• All passengers were reported safe as the vessel arrived on Israeli shores.
• The Freedom Flotilla Coalition had attempted to breach the blockade late Saturday, but the ship was intercepted around midnight.

Campaign Team and Legal Demands

Adalah, a legal rights centre, demanded contact with the 21‑strong international crew at the Ashdod berth. The group highlighted:

• The ship, part of the coalition, was dedicated to children of Gaza.
• It aimed to provide humanitarian aid while breaking Israel’s illegal blockade.

Pre‑Capture Hunger Strike Threat

Onboard activists—21 volunteers from ten nations, including two French MPs from the left‑wing “France Unbowed” party—promised a hunger strike if the Israeli army detained the passengers.

Earlier Interception: Madleen Vessel

The previous flotilla boat, the Madleen, was also seized in international waters on 9 June and towed to Ashdod. It carried 12 campaigners, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who were eventually expelled by Israel.