The Interception of the “Handala” Ship Exposes the Fascism of the Occupation, and Freedom Activists Mark a New Moral Victory
The “Handala Association – Belgium” strongly condemns the brutal interception carried out by the Israeli occupation forces against the “Handala” ship in international waters, as it made its way to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla to break the siege. The ship was a civilian, peaceful vessel carrying international activists and messages of humanitarian solidarity with Gaza. The association affirms that this act constitutes outright piracy and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, once again exposing the fascist and racist nature of an entity that tramples all human values and principles.
The association holds the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the safety of the freedom activists and stresses that this Zionist assault is an aggressive message directed at all of humanity and at anyone who dares to break the global silence surrounding the massacres and ongoing violations against the Palestinian people in Gaza, who are enduring a genocidal campaign and systematic starvation.
Despite the interception of the ship, the association emphasizes that the activists succeeded in exposing the occupation’s practices through audio-visual documentation, thanks to their courage and their transformation of this humanitarian journey into a cry of a living conscience. Their actions unmasked the occupation’s false narrative and revealed its true face. The enemy emerges from this confrontation condemned and exposed, while the free voices have recorded a historic stance that will remain an inspiration for all freedom seekers worldwide.
The association asserts that the interception of the “Handala” ship constitutes a war crime that demands international accountability. In this regard, it calls for urgent legal action to hold the occupation accountable for this crime, and urges European governments and the international community to break their silence and apply immediate pressure to end the illegal siege imposed on over two million people in Gaza.
The association also notes that since the ship’s departure from the port of Syracuse, Italy, it maintained regular contact with several activists on board. It witnessed their high determination and strong morale, despite repeated threats from the occupation army, which did not hesitate to threaten or carry out the attack—culminating in this latest act of aggression.
In conclusion, the association salutes the activists who took part in this courageous journey and affirms that the “Handala” ship and everyone on board have become symbols of inspiration and fighters for freedom. Their struggle will remain engraved in the memory of our people and all the free people of the world. It stands as a model for the continuation of freedom convoys until the war of extermination against Gaza and all of Palestine comes to an end.
Handala Association – Belgium
Brussels – July 27, 2025
