Boat Carrying Activists and Journalists Intercepted by Israeli Forces Near Gaza
A vessel transporting activists and journalists was stopped by Israeli military personnel as it tried to deliver aid to Gaza. A pro-Palestinian organization has alleged that those on board are being detained unlawfully.
The boat, named *Handala*, was approximately 50 kilometers from Egypt’s coast and 100 kilometers west of Gaza when intercepted, according to an online tracker monitoring its route. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission, stated that 21 activists were aboard, including journalist Tania "Tan" Safi and human rights advocate Robert Martin from Australia. Also present were two reporters from Al Jazeera and French political figures Emma Fourreau and Gabrielle Cathala.
The Israeli foreign ministry posted on X that its navy had halted the vessel from "illegally entering Gaza’s maritime zone." The post added, "The boat is being escorted safely to Israel. All individuals are unharmed." It further emphasized that unauthorized attempts to bypass the blockade endanger both security and aid operations.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Israel’s actions, describing them as a violation of international law. “Preventing essential supplies from reaching Gaza, as Israel has done since March, is unacceptable,” he stated during a recent interview.
### Israeli Military Announces Daily Pause in Parts of Gaza
The Israeli military has declared a temporary halt to operations in three areas of Gaza in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis. The pause will be in effect daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time in Muwasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City until further notice.
Although the military said it had not been conducting operations in these regions recently, clashes and strikes have occurred there in past weeks. Security routes will also be established to facilitate aid delivery.
The decision follows months of warnings from experts about famine risks due to aid restrictions. International condemnation has intensified as hundreds of Palestinians have reportedly died in recent weeks while seeking access to food distribution points.
CuriosityNews will continue to provide updates on these developments.
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