UPDATE - Israeli army storms Handala ship en route to Gaza with 21 people onboard

- ‘The boat will be towed to Ashdod Port by the Navy, and the activists will then be deported from the country,’ says The Times of Israel

ADDS DETAILS; CHANGES DECK

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israeli forces stormed the Gaza-bound aid ship Handala late Saturday, which was carrying 21 people, footage from a live stream showed.

The live stream captured the moment soldiers stormed the ship and ordered the activists to raise their hands.

“Handala intercepted!!!” the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which operates the Handala, said on Telegram.

The fate of the crew and the activists is unknown, as the live stream was abruptly cut off during the raid.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said, however, that the navy has taken control of the Handala.

“The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. All passengers are safe,” it said.

The Times of Israel said: “The boat will be towed to Ashdod Port by the Navy, and the activists will then be deported from the country.”

The Handala had issued a distress call as Israeli naval forces approached. The ship, which set sail from Italy, is carrying baby formula, food and medicine in line with international maritime and humanitarian law.

On board are unarmed civilians, including lawmakers, medics and volunteers.

Kaynak:

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