IDF Seizes Gaza-Bound Flotilla Ship ‘Handala’ - Passengers Safe and the Vessel Redirected to Israel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced late Saturday night that Israeli naval forces had taken control of the Handala. This flotilla ship departed from Italy en route to the Gaza Strip. All passengers on board are reported to be safe, and the vessel is currently being redirected to an Israeli port, in a repeat of a similar incident involving the ship Madelan last month.

The Handala was part of a pro-Palestinian flotilla launched last Sunday from Italy in an attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. Activists aboard the vessel declared before the interception: “We will break the siege on the Strip, let us sail.”

Among the passengers was prominent activist Huwaida Araf, who provided updates during the voyage. In the hours leading up to the interception, Araf reported that two vessels — believed to be Israeli Navy ships — were approaching the Handala.

"Attempts were made to contact the Israeli Navy — but no response was received," Araf said. She added that the vessel altered its course south toward the Egyptian coast as a precaution, without entering Egyptian waters.

Precautionary Measures and Tensions at Sea

"The crew has activated the alarm on board and is preparing for a possible escalation," Araf continued. “If the threat from the Israeli authorities increases, the crew will try to contact the Egyptian Coast Guard and request emergency entry based on the threat to their lives.”

Despite these maneuvers, the ship was eventually intercepted and seized by Israel’s elite Flotilla 13 naval unit, by a longstanding policy to prevent unauthorized maritime access to Gaza.

Diplomatic Efforts Failed to Halt Departure

Israeli officials had previously urged diplomatic efforts to stop the flotilla before it departed from Italy. However, after those efforts failed, the military was instructed to proceed with operational measures.

This marks the second such incident in recent weeks. In June, the Madelan was intercepted in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting a similar voyage toward Gaza.

Israel Reaffirms Policy on Gaza Naval Blockade

Israel maintains a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip, citing security concerns and the need to prevent arms shipments to Hamas and other militant groups. The embargo has been a source of ongoing international controversy, with pro-Palestinian activists regularly attempting to challenge it via maritime convoys.

The Handala is now en route to an Israeli port, where authorities are expected to process the passengers and determine further legal and diplomatic steps.