In a recent incident that raises significant concerns over international humanitarian efforts, the Handala, a vessel carrying crucial supplies to Gaza, was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday night. The ship had embarked on a mission to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza, delivering food, baby formula, diapers, and medicine to a region facing severe humanitarian crises.
Functional as well as symbolic, Handala became an important figure in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. This international grassroots organization has been working to end the blockade since 2010. This mission is part of an ongoing initiative by the Coalition to provide much-needed relief to the people of Gaza. Food has been shipped in, but they are suffering widespread food shortages now. Hunger experts working for the United Nations have described the situation in Gaza as a “worst-case scenario of famine.” They highlight the immediate need for humanitarian missions to respond to this crisis.
After interception, the IDF forcefully boarded the Handala, which had a total of 21 crew members aboard, seven of whom were American citizens. Among them was Chris Smalls, one of the most important and inspiring US labor activists and human rights defenders today. According to eyewitness testimony, upon arrival into Israeli custody, he was violently punched in the face by seven uniformed personnel. His lawyer only managed to see him under the presence of six members of Israel’s special police unit.
Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian American attorney and fellow Handala member, decried the violence inflicted on Smalls. She called for accountability for actions taken by the IDF.
“Legitimizing Israeli piracy on the high seas is unacceptable to us,” – Huwaida Arraf.
This incident is not an isolated incident. Rather, it points to a broader trend of demonizing and suppressing humanitarian work that aims to protect and provide for Palestinians in Gaza. Past aid-delivering missions organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition have been intercepted by Israeli military. In a major flashpoint in 2010, Israeli commandos killed nine unarmed activists. These activists were attempting to break the siege on Gaza aboard the Mavi Marmara.
Following the most recent interception, it is not known if Chris Smalls or any other American citizens have been reached Tuesday morning. We don’t know what happens to them after detention. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has verified that Smalls was apprehended mid-operation. This shocking incident highlights new and grave concerns for the treatment of activists engaging in humanitarian missions.
She highlighted the need for a global response, calling on countries to respect their clear responsibilities under international law and protect civilian human rights.
“And that is the kind of impunity that our governments, all governments, really, have been allowing Israel to just violate international law.”
In a timely discussion surrounding humanitarian aid to Gaza, former President Donald Trump expressed his desire for Gazans to receive necessary provisions during a recent meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“We are calling on others around the world, definitely our countries, to live up to their obligation of enforcing international law, of protecting human rights,” – Huwaida Arraf.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s action highlights the continuing danger and hostility surrounding the delivery of all aid by any actor to Gaza. In Israel, public figures are public about their plan for the region including “crippling sanctions.” International efforts to provide help to these vulnerable people continue. Cases such as the one that befell Chris Smalls throw into stark relief the challenges that the change and support-seeking actors face in a volatile geopolitical terrain.
“To make sure [Gazans] get the food, every ounce of food,” – Donald Trump.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s action highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding aid delivery in Gaza, where public figures in Israel have referred to “crippling sanctions” as part of their strategy toward the region. While international efforts continue to provide assistance, incidents like the one involving Chris Smalls underscore the challenges faced by those striving for change and support amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.