The Israeli military intercepted the vessel Handala on July 27, 2025, detaining 21 international activists and journalists who were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission, reported that the interception occurred in international waters approximately 40 nautical miles from Gaza. The coalition stated that the Israeli forces “violently intercepted” the ship, cutting off communications and seizing all cargo, which included baby formula, food, and medicine intended for Gaza’s civilian population. ([euronews.com](https://www.euronews.com/2025/07/27/israel-intercepts-gaza-bound-activist-boat-handala-carrying-humanitarian-aid?utm_source=openai))
This incident marks the second interception of a Freedom Flotilla vessel in recent months. In June, the Israeli military seized the ship Madleen, which was carrying 12 activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/09/greta-thunberg-gaza-freedom-sail-flotilla-aid-/?utm_source=openai))
Human rights organizations have condemned the interception of the Handala. Adalah, a regional human rights group, asserted that the raid violated international law, emphasizing that the vessel did not enter Israeli territorial waters and was headed toward Palestinian territorial waters. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/27/gaza-blockade-activist-ship-seized/6f0df542-6ac1-11f0-ac4f-195fdb8ee9a8_story.html?utm_source=openai))
Among the detained activists were individuals from 12 countries, including two Spanish citizens, Sergio Toribio and Santiago González Vallejo. Both have initiated a hunger strike in solidarity with Gaza’s population, which faces severe humanitarian challenges due to the ongoing blockade. ([huffingtonpost.es](https://www.huffingtonpost.es/global/los-dos-espanoles-flotilla-libertad-asaltada-israel-huelga-hambre.html?utm_source=openai))
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the interception, stating that the navy stopped the vessel and was bringing it to shore. ([euronews.com](https://www.euronews.com/2025/07/27/israel-intercepts-gaza-bound-activist-boat-handala-carrying-humanitarian-aid?utm_source=openai))
The interception of the Handala has intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s blockade of Gaza, with critics arguing that such actions exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/27/gaza-blockade-activist-ship-seized/6f0df542-6ac1-11f0-ac4f-195fdb8ee9a8_story.html?utm_source=openai))