Israeli Navy Seizes Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel ‘Handala’; Detains Activists and Journalists
July 27, 2025
Maltese Journalists and Civil Society Urge Government Action Against Starvation in Gaza
July 27, 2025
July 27, 2025 – Morocco/Palestine –
Moroccan journalist Mohamed El Bakkali, working with Al Jazeera, was detained by Israeli forces after they intercepted the humanitarian aid vessel Handala in international waters. The ship was carrying aid intended for Gaza when it was boarded on July 27. El Bakkali and other crew members—including journalists, activists, and legal observers were taken into custody and transported to Ashdod port for deportation.
His detention sparked immediate concern in Morocco. MP Fatima Tamni demanded urgent intervention by the Foreign Ministry, calling for the protection of El Bakkali and accountability for his arrest. The Moroccan National Press Syndicate condemned the interception as a violation of press freedom and humanitarian norms, demanding the immediate release of all detainees. RSF, along with other international press groups, echoed these calls, urging Israel to respect journalistic missions and refrain from equating media presence with hostile activity.
El Bakkali’s involvement with the Handala mission was part of a wider Freedom Flotilla effort intended to spotlight Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and challenge the naval blockade. Observers described the interception as a breach of international maritime law and a suppression of critical reporting. This incident follows similar actions against flotilla missions earlier in June.
References
https://en.yabiladi.com/articles/details/172801/moroccan-urges-protection-journalist-mohamed.html
