Israeli Forces Intercept Freedom Flotilla Boat Heading to Gaza

On July 26, 2025, Israeli forces intercepted a boat named Handala that was sailing toward Gaza, organized by the pro-Palestinian group Freedom Flotilla. The boat aimed to break the Israeli naval blockade and deliver a small amount of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. A livestream showed 19 activists on board, including European politicians and two Al Jazeera journalists, sitting on the deck with their hands raised and singing the Italian protest song "Bella Ciao" as Israeli soldiers took control of the vessel.

The Freedom Flotilla group claimed the boat was intercepted illegally in international waters. Online tracking showed Handala was around 50 kilometers from Egypt and 100 kilometers west of Gaza when it was stopped. Shortly after the interception began, the live video feed from the boat was cut off. The Israeli military did not immediately confirm the operation but earlier said it would enforce the naval blockade on Gaza.

Among those detained were two French members of parliament, Emma Fourreau and Gabrielle Cathala. Their party leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, strongly criticized the action, calling it a kidnapping and demanding that the French government respond. He stated that Israeli forces had no legal right to stop the boat in international waters.

The Freedom Flotilla group said the activists would begin a hunger strike if detained. Gaza continues to face extreme shortages of food and supplies, with the UN warning of a possible famine. A previous boat from the group, Madleen, was also intercepted on June 9 and towed to Israel. That boat carried 12 activists, including Greta Thunberg, who were later expelled by Israeli authorities.