GazaHerald – Israel is continuing to detain 11 international activists who were aboard the Handala, a ship attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza and deliver a message of solidarity to its besieged population.
The Handala departed from the Italian port of Gallipoli on July 20, embarking on a symbolic journey of over 1,000 kilometers across the Mediterranean. The vessel passed near the coasts of Greece and Egypt before it was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters, roughly 100 kilometers off Gaza’s shore.
Among those on board was Palestinian-American human rights lawyer and activist Huida Araf, who has since been released. Speaking after her release, Araf said she refused to sign any documents presented by Israeli authorities, including a pledge not to return or an admission of attempting to enter Israel illegally.
“I refused to sign anything,” Araf stated. “I reject the premise that Israel has the right to decide who can enter Gaza. We were sailing under international law to support civilians, not break any laws.”
Araf confirmed that 11 of her fellow passengers, hailing from a variety of countries, remain in Israeli custody. Some have reportedly begun a hunger strike in protest of their continued detention. Activists holding Israeli citizenship have already been released.
“The remaining activists are expected to appear in court tomorrow,” Araf added, explaining that their refusal to sign deportation or release papers is rooted in a broader legal and moral stand. “This voyage was about solidarity, justice, and upholding international law.”
19 international activists from 10 nationalities
The Handala was carrying 21 individuals in total: 19 international activists representing 10 nationalities, along with two journalists from Al Jazeera Media Network: Mohamed El-Bakkali from Morocco and Waad Al-Mousa from the United States.
The mission, peaceful and symbolic in nature, was timed to arrive in Gaza less than 10 days after departure. Its aim was to spotlight the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population, especially children, under Israel’s ongoing siege.
According to previous voyages, ships challenging the blockade are typically intercepted at a specific maritime point, a pattern that repeated itself with the Handala.
Activists and organizers behind the Freedom Flotilla have denounced the seizure as a violation of international law and an attack on the right to peaceful protest.
