Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association strongly condemns the Israeli occupation forces’ interception of the “Handala” ship and the detention of international activists while sailing in international waters, during a humanitarian mission aimed at breaking the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing genocidal war against the Palestinian people.
The Israeli navy’s detention of 21 international activists from various nationalities constitutes a blatant violation of international law and a direct assault on the freedom of humanitarian work. It also represents an attack on civil efforts to deliver aid to the besieged population in Gaza.
According to the Adalah Legal Center, and after more than 12 hours of the ship being held at sea, Israeli authorities confirmed that the “Handala” had arrived at the Port of Ashdod. However, they have so far refused to allow Adalah lawyers to meet with the detained activists or provide them with legal counsel, despite repeated requests.
Addameer calls on the countries whose nationalities the activists hold to assume their responsibilities and to urgently and effectively intervene with the Israeli occupation authorities, put pressure for their immediate release, protect them from any form of torture or ill-treatment, and guarantee their safe return to their home countries.