A boat carrying two Australians and 19 other activists was intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to transport humanitarian aid to Gaza. The vessel, named The Handala or Navaren, was seized in international waters, around 50km off the Egyptian coast and 100km west of Gaza. Israeli authorities claim the stop was necessary to prevent the boat from “illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza” and label such unauthorized entry attempts as “dangerous, unlawful, and undermining humanitarian efforts.”
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group organizing the mission, stated that the interception was “violent” and carried out without adequate justification. They insisted that Israel has no legitimate right to detain international civilians in international waters, classifying the act as “arbitrary and unlawful.” Activists on board included two Australians, Tania “Tan” Safi and Robert Martin, as well as reporters from Al Jazeera and two French lawmakers. The group intended to deliver aid, including food, medicine, and baby formula, to Gaza’s residents, bypassing restrictions imposed by Israel.
Israel’s foreign ministry acknowledged the interception in a tweet, stating that the crew is safe and the vessel is being brought to Israeli shores. They emphasized that any attempts to breach the blockade not only threaten safety but also hinder ongoing humanitarian efforts.
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (Apan) condemned the Israeli action as an “unjustified, unprovoked, and Illegal action” and pressured the Australian government for the release of those detained and to take a firmer stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
This incident follows previous similar attempts to breach the blockade, such as the Madleen boat intercepted in June, which carried Swedish activist Greta Thunberg among others. In 2010, the Mavi Marmara incident saw Israeli forces killing nine activists. Both events highlight the continuing tensions and Israeli enforcement actions against aid efforts to Gaza.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/27/handala-activist-vessel-intercepted-by-israeli-troops-while-delivering-aid-to-gaza
