The Freedom Flotilla’s Handala ship is approaching Gaza regardless of Israeli threats to grab it, prompting activists to vow a starvation strike if intercepted.
The Handala vessel, carrying 21 worldwide activists from varied nations, continues its journey towards the Gaza Strip in a renewed try to interrupt the 17-year Israeli blockade.
Israeli authorities have reportedly begun making ready for a number of situations to stop the ship from reaching the besieged enclave.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is broadcasting Handala’s actions stay by way of YouTube, exhibiting real-time radar pictures. On Saturday night, the Worldwide Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza reported that an Israeli drone was seen hovering over the ship, following threats that Israeli forces might try and seize it.
All eyes on Handala pic.twitter.com/RlhLpoR2CM
— Handala (@handala0) July 26, 2025
The committee warned that if the ship is intercepted, all passengers—together with members of European parliaments, artists, and media professionals—will launch an open-ended starvation strike.
Activist and Freedom Flotilla Steering Committee member Huwaida Arraf advised Al-Jazeera that Israel has issued oblique warnings by way of international governments, stating it intends to cease the vessel earlier than it reaches Gaza.
Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, citing army officers, reported that the military is contemplating a number of choices in keeping with political directions.
Based on a correspondent from the Israeli Broadcasting Company (KAN), Handala has reached the identical waters the place Israeli forces intercepted the Madleen ship final month. The report added that Israel wouldn’t allow Handala to achieve the Strip.
Contact Restored with Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Handala Amid Fears of Israeli Attack
French-American activist Frank Romano, aboard the ship, mentioned they’d already crossed the purpose the place the Madleen was seized. He emphasised that Handala is carrying meals, water, drugs, and toys for the kids of Gaza, describing the humanitarian situations there as catastrophic.
In the meantime, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that if Handala refuses to change its course, Israel’s elite naval unit, Shayetet 13, can be dispatched to grab the ship and tow it to the port of Ashdod.
The Handala set sail on July 13 from the Italian port of Syracuse, briefly docking in Gallipoli on July 15 to deal with technical points. It resumed its voyage on July 20.
On June 9, Israeli forces seized the Madleen in worldwide waters because it tried to ship assist to Gaza. The 12 worldwide activists on board have been arrested and later deported after signing pledges to not return.
(PC, AJA)