Gaza, July 27 (V7N) – The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has alleged that Israeli military forces forcibly detained the aid ship ‘Handala’ in international waters, approximately 40 nautical miles (74 kilometers) off the Gaza coast on Saturday night.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, all communication with the vessel was lost at 11:43 p.m. local time. In a statement, the FFC said that the ship—unarmed and carrying essential humanitarian supplies—was intercepted and seized outside Gaza's territorial waters, a move they say violates international maritime law.

The Handala was transporting 21 human rights activists from 12 countries and was loaded with life-saving aid for Palestinians suffering from severe shortages in Gaza. The cargo included baby food, diapers, general food supplies, and medicine.

FFC condemned the Israeli action as an “abduction” of both the crew and cargo, accusing Israeli forces of violating international legal norms by interfering with a humanitarian mission in neutral international waters.

The Israeli government has not yet issued an official response regarding the seizure.

END/RH/AJ