Israeli forces seize aid ship bound for Gaza

Israeli forces seized the 'Handala', a ship of the 'Freedom Flotilla', while it was heading to the Gaza Strip carrying humanitarian aid. The operation took place in international waters, approximately 40 nautical miles off Gaza.

According to the 'Freedom Flotilla', the ship was violently intercepted. Israel confirmed the operation, stating that the ship was attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza. All those on board are safe, and the ship will be taken to the port of Ashdod, while those on board will be deported.

The ship carried 19 activists of various nationalities, including two members of the LFI, Gabrielle Catala and Emma Fourreau, as well as two Al Jazeera journalists. Jean-Luc Mélenchon denounced the action as a 'kidnapping'.

The 'Handala' had sailed from Syracuse, Sicily, on July 13 and was carrying medical supplies, food and medicine. The 'Freedom Flotilla' had attempted to send another ship, the Madleen, to Gaza a few weeks ago, but it was also seized. Greta Thunberg was also on board.

The crew of the 'Handala' had warned that they would start a hunger strike in case of interception and arrest.