Following Freedom Flotilla Handala on its way to Gaza

More than a dozen international activists detained by “Israel” after their aid boat Handala was intercepted en route to Gaza have launched a hunger strike to protest what they describe as forced and unlawful detention, according to legal aid group Adalah.

The 21 activists on board the Handala, part of the Freedom Flotilla aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza, included nationals from ten countries, among them two French lawmakers, two Al Jazeera journalists, and several humanitarian volunteers. The “Israeli” navy intercepted the boat in international waters and forcibly brought all passengers into “Israel,” Adalah said.

So far, five passengers have agreed to expedited deportation, while 14 others refused and were brought before the immigration tribunal at Givon Prison in Ramle on Monday.

The hearings ended with the tribunal upholding their continued detention. The activists, represented by Adalah, reiterated during the session that their mission was purely humanitarian, aimed at opposing the ongoing siege of Gaza and the alleged genocide against Palestinians.

Among the 14 who appeared in court were Americans Brandon Belloso and Christian Smalls; Australians Tania Safi and Robert Martin; French nationals Justine Kempf and Emma Forro (also holding Swedish citizenship); Italian Antonio La Picerella; British-French citizen Chloe Fiona Louden; Spaniards Sergio Toribio Sanchez and Santiago Gonzalez Vallejo; Norwegian Vigdis Bjorvand; and Tunisian Hatem Al-Ouini.

Adalah noted that most of them are engaged in an open-ended hunger strike. Their lawyers reported that while their health remains relatively stable, concerns are growing over the legality and conditions of their detention. One US activist reportedly suffered “severe physical violence” at the hands of “Israeli” forces, while others have described poor detention conditions.

“‘Israel’ is treating these activists as if they had illegally entered the country,” Adalah said. “But they were forcibly taken from international waters. Under Israeli law, they were given two options: accept voluntary deportation or appear before a judge to determine whether they will remain detained until deportation is finalized.”

The legal group further criticized the immigration proceedings at Givon, stating they give “Israeli” authorities wide discretion to prolong detentions even without a substantial legal basis. Similar cases occurred with activists on the Maddeline, another flotilla ship seized by “Israel” on June 9.

According to Adalah, at least one of the French lawmakers, the two journalists, and two other passengers have since been deported. Two dual “Israeli”-American nationals were reportedly released after interrogation.

“Israeli” forces brought the pro-Palestinian activist boat Handala into the port of Ashdod on Sunday, after seizing the vessel in international waters and detaining the crew.

Campaigners from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition had attempted to breach an “Israeli” naval blockade of the Palestinian territory of Gaza, but were intercepted late Saturday.

The legal rights centre Adalah told AFP its lawyers were in Ashdod and had asked to speak to the detained crew.

The Government Media Office in Gaza strongly condemned the ‘Israeli’ military's storming of the Handala aid ship in international waters, calling it a “blatant violation of international law and maritime rules.”

In a statement, the office accused ‘Israel’ of acting as an outlaw power, targeting every humanitarian effort aimed at supporting more than 2.4 million Palestinians suffering under siege and famine in Gaza.

The statement placed full responsibility for the safety of the activists on the occupying forces, while expressing deep appreciation for those on board the Handala who attempted to break the blockade and show solidarity with Gaza.

It urged the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to take urgent and firm action against what it called an act of aggression, and to ensure international protection for humanitarian convoys trying to relieve Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

The ‘Israeli’ military has boarded the Handala aid ship in international waters and detained all activists on board, preventing the vessel from reaching Gaza, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

The Handala, carrying food, baby formula, and humanitarian supplies, was part of a civilian mission aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza. Activists had repeatedly stated that they were in international waters and posed no threat.

Organizers and human rights groups have condemned the raid as a violation of international law and an act of piracy, calling for the immediate release of the activists and accountability for the interception.

All communication and livestream signals from the Handala aid ship have been cut off, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The blackout occurred shortly after ‘Israeli’ warships surrounded the vessel in international waters as it neared Gaza.

The Handala, carrying humanitarian aid including food and baby formula, had been broadcasting its journey live and issuing warnings that an interception was imminent. Activists on board had pledged to remain peaceful and undergo a hunger strike if detained.

The loss of contact raises serious concerns about the fate of the passengers, who were attempting to break the blockade and deliver aid to the besieged population in Gaza.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reports that ‘Israel’ has jammed the GPS of the Handala aid ship, which is now just minutes away from potential interception.

The vessel, carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, is surrounded by ‘Israeli’ warships. Activists say the ship remains in international waters and stress it is a civilian mission delivering food and baby formula.

Tensions are at a breaking point as the Handala continues its attempt to reach Gaza amid worsening humanitarian conditions in the Strip.

The Handala aid ship, currently sailing in international waters toward Gaza, is now surrounded by ‘Israeli’ warships that have ordered it to turn back.

In a firm response broadcast over radar, the activists rejected the demand and issued a message to the ‘Israeli’ navy:
“We demand that you stand down, not attack a civilian ship which is sending food and baby formula to babies. Any attack on us is a violation of international law. Again, we are a civilian vessel. We are not a threat to you. Do not attack our vessel. Handala out.”

The Handala is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission to break the 'Israeli' blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, where famine conditions are rapidly worsening.

Earlier today, at least two fast-approaching vessels and nearly 20 drones were reported in the area, as tensions escalated. Activists have said they are prepared to go on a collective hunger strike if intercepted or detained.

Despite the growing threat of confrontation, those on board say they remain committed to reaching Gaza in solidarity with its besieged population.

Two high-speed vessels are approaching the Handala aid ship as it nears Gaza, an activist on board revealed.

“If Israel intercepts, they will most likely abduct us and put us in prison,” said Tania Safi, one of the activists. “We will go on a collective hunger strike, this is our group’s consensus. Israel is using hunger as a weapon of war on Gaza.”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported Saturday that a vessel and a drone are currently approaching the Handala, an aid ship en route to Gaza.

"This is psychological warfare," said Tania Safi, one of the 21 activists from 10 different countries headed towards Gaza to provide humanitarian aid including food, baby formula and toys.

The Handala is now closer to the Gaza Strip than the Madleen was when it was intercepted by 'Israeli' military.

'Israeli' drones are currently following the Gaza-bound aid vessel Handala, now approximately 90 miles from the coast, according to activist and actor Jacob Berger, who is on board.

Berger said the drones have been hovering over the ship, raising fears of interception as the vessel pushes forward with its mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Despite previous flotillas being intercepted, the crew remains determined, stating they are prepared for all outcomes.

Exclusive sources tell Roya News English that activists aboard the Gaza-bound Handala ship remain on high alert, fearing potential interception or abduction by 'Israeli' forces.

“We're expecting Israel to kidnap us at any time,” one source said. “But at least we got closer than the last ship.”

The Handala is part of an international effort to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. Previous vessels attempting similar missions have faced 'Israeli' raids and detentions.

Despite growing risks, organizers say the mission underscores international solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported Friday that 16 drones were spotted flying over the Handala aid ship en route to Gaza within a 45-minute window.

The coalition, which is organizing the voyage to challenge the "Israeli" blockade on Gaza, shared the update as part of ongoing concerns for the safety of the crew and mission.

Yesterday, the coalition had temporarily lost contact with the vessel before communication was restored, citing drone activity and the activation of an emergency protocol on board.

The coordinator of the Handala aid ship announced Thursday that communication has been restored after a brief loss of contact, which occurred as the vessel was reportedly surrounded by several drones.

The Handala, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in an effort to challenge the ongoing Israeli blockade.

Earlier concerns were raised over the vessel’s safety when contact was lost. However, the ship’s coordinator clarified that the disruption was caused by a satellite internet malfunction, not by any "Israeli" intervention.

“All crew members are safe,” she confirmed, thanking all those who mobilized in support of the ship during the communication outage.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) announced Thursday that it has lost contact with the Handala, a vessel carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of the coalition’s ongoing effort to break the Israeli blockade.

According to reports, the ship was surrounded by drones before communications were cut off. In response, the emergency protocol aboard the Handala was activated.

In a statement shared on its official Telegram channel, the coalition said, “All communications with the Handala's crew have been jammed,” and warned that the ship may have been intercepted or attacked. “We lost all contact with our crew, and there are multiple drones near the vessel,” the statement read.

The FFC called on its supporters to take urgent action, urging them to contact their local representatives and media outlets to “pressure Israel to let Handala go and guarantee a safe passage to Gaza.”

The coalition has not provided further details but said it is working to determine the ship’s status and ensure the safety of those on board.

For the third consecutive day, 21 international activists continue their voyage aboard the ship Handala in international waters, reaffirming their determination to break the blockade imposed by the Israeli Occupation on Gaza and deliver humanitarian and medical aid to Palestinians enduring what they describe as "genocide and systematic starvation" for the past 22 months.

The ship, which recently joined the "Freedom Flotilla Coalition," carries activists of various nationalities, including a French MP, a Canadian doctor, and a Norwegian activist.

Through their high-risk journey, they aim to challenge the silence of the international community toward the suffering of Palestinians.

Just hours before its scheduled departure to Gaza, the humanitarian vessel Handala faced two alarming incidents that appear to be deliberate attempts to sabotage the mission.

According to the Freedom Flotilla, a rope was found wrapped around the boat’s propeller, potentially disabling the vessel’s engine. Later, a delivery purported to be fresh water was labeled as sulfuric acid and contained a corrosive chemical. When crew members inspected the container, one was splashed on the leg and sustained chemical burns, while another suffered burns to his hand after opening the container and detecting a strong chemical odor.

The flotilla’s organizers condemned these incidents as calculated efforts to harm crew members and obstruct their humanitarian mission. They emphasized that despite these attacks, they remain determined to sail “for the children of Gaza—against siege, starvation, and slaughter,” aiming to break 'Israel’s' blockade and deliver vital aid.

“We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will not stop,” the Freedom Flotilla stated.

The group has called on the international community to hold those responsible accountable and to guarantee safe passage for their civilian mission to Gaza. A full investigation into the sabotage attempts is underway.

The flotilla’s mission highlights ongoing efforts to challenge the blockade imposed on Gaza and to provide humanitarian assistance amid the region’s crisis.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced that its ship, Handala, has officially set sail for Gaza, marking what organizers describe as a mission of “solidarity, resistance, and hope.”

“This is not an ordinary voyage — it is a collective act of solidarity, resistance, and hope,” the coalition said in a statement. “As we prepare to set sail, we remain undeterred in our mission to break Israel’s illegal and inhumane blockade on Gaza and to demand an end to the impunity that allows it to continue.”

The group acknowledged the dangers of the journey but stressed the urgency of their mission. “We know the risks. But we also know the urgency — Palestinians in Gaza cannot wait. We carry with us their voices, especially those of the children, and the voices of people around the world who demand justice.”

The crew and activists aboard the "Handala" ship have sent a message of support to Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, expressing solidarity amid growing political incitement against her.

In their message, they wrote: “From Handala to the beacon of humanity, Francesca, our mission is for the children of Gaza and for our shared humanity.” They affirmed that Albanese represents a free voice in the face of international silence.

Francesca Albanese has been facing mounting political pressure and sanctions from the United States over her positions against Israeli Occupation

The Handala, the lead vessel in the latest Freedom Flotilla mission to Gaza, was tracked off the coast of Catanzaro, Italy, as of 6:02 PM Jordan time (GMT+3) on Monday, July 14, 2025.

As the Handala sails toward Gaza in defiance of the 'Israeli' blockade, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has once again joined forces with research agency Forensic Architecture to equip the vessel with an advanced tracking system. The move is designed to ensure the safety of activists onboard and to increase global oversight of the mission.

The tracking system provides continuous, real-time updates on the Handala’s location, allowing journalists, legal observers, and human rights organizations to monitor the vessel throughout its journey. The coalition says this technology is a key part of its broader strategy of nonviolent resistance and international solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

“This isn’t just a tool for navigation—it’s a shield,” the coalition included in their statement. “It’s about protection, accountability, and transparency.”

The mission faces well-documented threats. Previous flotillas attempting to reach Gaza have been met with aggressive 'Israeli' military responses, including armed raids, arrests, and the seizure of humanitarian cargo. The coalition argues that the tracking device acts as a deterrent by making any such violations visible to the world in real time.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has officially launched its latest boat, Handala, setting sail from the Sicilian port city of Siracusa on Saturday morning.

The departure ceremony, attended by activists, journalists, and supporters both in person and online, marked the beginning of another mission to challenge what organizers call Israel’s "illegal and deadly siege" on the Palestinian enclave.

“We continue — with global solidarity — to challenge Israel’s illegal and deadly siege,” said organizers in a public statement. The launch follows an incident just weeks ago when the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) intercepted and raided the coalition’s previous boat, Madleen, in international waters and detained 12 unarmed civilians on board.

Despite the risks, the coalition remains undeterred. Handala is carrying humanitarian supplies and aims to reach the besieged Gaza Strip as part of the coalition’s broader campaign to expose the humanitarian crisis there and demand unrestricted access for aid.