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A boat carrying activists, including two Australians, has been intercepted by Israeli forces, Israel’s foreign ministry has confirmed.
A pro-Palestinian activist group claims the crew of the vessel, dubbed Handala, is being held in “unlawful” detention after attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the vessel was carrying 21 activists, including Australian journalist Tan Safi and activist Robert Martin, when it was stopped in international waters about 40 nautical miles from Gaza.
Two Australians were on board the boat, Handala, when it was intercepted by the Israeli navy. Credit: Supplied
SBS News has not been able to independently verify the vessel’s location at the interception point.
The scene was livestreamed by the group on social media and appears to show the activists holding up their hands as soldiers board the vessel before the video feed is cut.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed the two Australians were on the vessel.
“DFAT is aware two Australians were on board the Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel Handala, along with 19 others,” they said.
“Our officials in Tel Aviv are liaising with authorities, and consular officers stand ready to offer assistance to affected Australians.”
Robert Martin is one of the two Australians who were on board the Handala as it sailed towards Gaza. Source: Getty / Anadolu
The refurbished fishing boat had departed from Malmö, Sweden, aiming to breach the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza and deliver aid supplies such as baby formula, diapers, food, and medicine to Palestinians in the besieged territory.
The Israeli foreign ministry said its navy had stopped the ship from “illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza”.
“The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. All passengers are safe,” a post on X read.
“Unauthorised attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.”
In a social media post prior to the boat being intercepted, Martin said the group’s aim was to deliver aid to Palestinians.
“We are a non-violent movement, we are delivering aid,” he said.
“To the world, if something happens, we were trying to shine a light on what’s happening in Palestine and in particular, Gaza.”
In a more deadly episode in 2010, nine activists aboard a flotilla the Mavi Marmara were reportedly shot by Israeli soldiers. Five of them died.
