Israeli Navy Seizes Aid Vessel with Australians Aboard
Activists Claim ‘Unlawful’ Detention in International Waters
Israeli naval forces have intercepted a boat carrying humanitarian aid and activists, including two Australians, approximately 50km off the Egyptian coast. The pro-Palestinian group behind the voyage claims the detention is unlawful and a violation of international law.
Aid Convoy Intercepted
The vessel, named the Handala and operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was reportedly stopped by Israeli troops while attempting to reach Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed the interception, stating the navy prevented the boat from “illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza.” They added that the vessel was safely en route to Israeli shores with all passengers unharmed.
The Israeli navy stopped the vessel Navarn from illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza. The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. All passengers are safe. Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts. pic.twitter.com/0bVrxGf2f1
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 21, 2024
Activists Report ‘Violent Interception’
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition alleges the Handala was “violently intercepted” in international waters. According to the group, journalists’ cameras were disabled and communication with the ship ceased. Among the 21 activists on board are Australian journalist Tania Safi and human rights advocate Robert Martin, along with two Al Jazeera reporters and several French politicians.
A spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed awareness of the two Australians and stated that consular officials are in contact with authorities in Tel Aviv and are prepared to offer assistance.
If you’re seeing this video, the Handala and its crew have been intercepted at sea. I’ve been abducted and taken against my will. We are asking the Australian government to sanction Israel to lobby for the release of the crew members.
— Free Gaza Australia (@FreeGazaAus) June 21, 2024
In pre-recorded messages shared on social media, Tania Safi urged the Australian government to take action. “I’ve been abducted and taken against my will,” she stated in one video. Activists on deck were seen holding their hands up and singing in a live stream that was later cut.
Calls for Sanctions and International Intervention
The Hamas-run Gaza government media office condemned the boarding as “maritime piracy,” urging the UN and the international community to take a firm stance. The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network also released a statement denouncing the “unjustified, unprovoked and illegal actions by Israeli forces,” calling for the release of the Handala’s passengers and stronger Australian action regarding Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Ann Wright, a member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s steering committee, asserted that Israel has no legal authority over international civilians in international waters. “Their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end,” she stated.
The refurbished fishing boat was carrying humanitarian supplies, including baby formula, nappies, food, and medicine, intended for Gaza’s residents. Aid distribution in the territory has been severely restricted, with the UN-led system largely halted since March. As of mid-2024, the UN reported that 90% of Gaza’s population faced “catastrophic levels of hunger,” exacerbated by aid blockages (OCHA, June 2024).
Previous Freedom Flotilla missions have also faced interception. In June 2023, the Madleen, carrying 12 campaigners including Greta Thunberg, was towed to Ashdod port. A 2010 flotilla incident involving the Mavi Marmara resulted in the deaths of ten activists when Israeli commandos boarded the ship.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yD6xq1trAEU%3Fenablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.theguardian.com%26widgetid%3D18%22+frameborder%3D%220%22+allow%3D%22accelerometer%3B+autoplay%3B+clipboard-write%3B+encrypted-media%3B+gyroscope%3B+picture-in-picture%22+allowfullscreen%3D%22%22+title%3D%22Gaza+facing+man-made+mass+starvation%2C+WHO+chief+says+%E2%80%93+video%22+loading%3D%22lazy%22+class%3D%22dcr-1be65jg
