Israeli legal organisation Adalah has provided an update on the 21 activists detained following the interception of their vessel, Handala, in international waters. The Handala activists were part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza when their ship was intercepted approximately 50 nautical miles from the coastal enclave on July 26th.
Current legal status and conditions of Handala activists
Adalah’s legal representatives have successfully met with 17 of the 21 detained individuals, conducting meetings either at Ashdod Port or at Israeli police facilities. According to the organisation’s lawyers, all activists who have been accessed are reported to be in relatively stable condition.
The Israeli authorities are processing the detention cases under immigration violation procedures, treating the activists as individuals who entered the country illegally. This classification applies even though the Handala activists were forcibly brought into Israeli territory from international waters against their stated intentions.
Israel has been downplaying its criminal activities on international waters and is persecuting the activists instead.
The intercepted vessel carried 21 civilians from 12 countries, including parliamentarians, journalists, labour organisers, and human rights defenders. Among those aboard were French Member of European Parliament Emma Fourreau, Amazon Labor Union founder Christian Smalls, and 70-year-old Norwegian activist Vigdis Bjorvand.
French parliamentarian Gabrielle Cathala and human rights attorney Huwaida Arraf joined the mission alongside journalists Mohamed El Bakkali from Al Jazeera and Waad Al Musa, an Iraqi-American cameraman. The diverse crew included Jewish-American activists Jacob Berger and Bob Suberi.
The attack on the Handala represents the third time this year that Israel has targeted Freedom Flotilla missions attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israeli forces previously drone-bombed the civilian ship Conscience in European waters during May, injuring four people and disabling the vessel. In June, military personnel illegally seized the Madleen, abducting 12 civilians, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and a Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan.
Options before abducted Handala activists
Israeli authorities have presented the abducted activists with two distinct legal pathways. The first option involves agreeing to voluntary deportation, which expedites the departure process. The alternative requires remaining in detention while appearing before an Israeli tribunal, where the legality of continued detention pending deportation would be subject to judicial review.
Activists accepting deportation
Three individuals have elected to proceed with voluntary deportation and are expected to be released from Israeli custody within the coming hours. These Handala activists include Antonio Mazzeo from Italy, Gabrielle Cathala from France, and Jacob Berger from the United States.
Activists challenging abduction
A larger group of detained individuals has refused to sign voluntary deportation documentation, choosing instead to challenge their detention through the tribunal process. This group comprises fourteen Handala activists from various nations: Braedon Peluso (United States), Robert Martin (Australia), Tania Safi (Australia), Justine Kempf (France), Emma Fourreau (France-Sweden), Antonio La Picirella (Italy), Christian Smalls (United States), Chloé Fiona Ludden (United Kingdom-France), Sergio Toribio Sanchez (Spain), Vigdis Bjorvand (Norway), Hatem Aouini (Tunisia), and Santiago González Vallejo (Spain).
Special cases and legal representation
Two activists holding dual Israeli-American nationality, Huwaida Arraf and Bob Suberi, have been released from custody following police interrogation. Both individuals are currently working with Adalah’s legal team regarding their cases.
Four detained individuals remain outside Adalah’s direct legal representation. These include Ange Sahuquet from France, Dr Frank Romano (United States-France), and two media personnel: Al Jazeera reporter Mohamed El Bakkali from Morocco and cameraman Waad Al Musa (United States-Iraq). These cases are being handled through private legal counsel.
Legal framework and documentation
Adalah has prepared comprehensive documentation regarding the legal framework surrounding the detention of the Handala activists. The organisation has published a detailed question-and-answer document outlining its legal position and the applicable international and domestic legal principles governing the case.
The legal proceedings continue to develop as the tribunal hearings for those challenging their detention are scheduled to commence. The outcome of these proceedings will determine the duration of detention for the remaining activists and establish legal precedents for similar cases involving humanitarian missions in international waters.
This report is based on information provided by Adalah as of July 27th 2025, 8pm Jerusalem time.
