Gaza-bound aid ship Handala issues distress call as Israeli forces approach

Israeli officials had previously threatened to intercept the ship if it refused to alter its course

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - A Gaza-bound aid ship carrying 21 civilians issued a distress call Saturday after Israeli forces began approaching it, according to the International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza.

“Occupation forces are heading toward Handala… the ship issues a distress call,” the committee said in a post on X.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the aid voyage, earlier said the vessel was approximately 70 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast.

Israeli officials had previously threatened to intercept the ship if it refused to alter its course.

The Handala departed from Italy carrying humanitarian supplies including baby formula, food, and medicine, and is operating under international maritime and humanitarian law. Onboard are 21 unarmed civilians, including parliamentarians, medics, and volunteers.

Kaynak:

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