Jerusalem, 26 July, 2025 (TPS-IL) — In response to an announcement that the ‘Handala’ flotilla was approaching Gaza’s shores, Israeli sources, cited by several Media in the country have clarified that Israel ‘will take control of the flotilla if they refuse to turn around.’

‘Handala’ departed from Italy last Sunday. It is being claimed that its passengers are ‘pro-Palestinian activists’ attempting to reach Gaza. They are doing so, in the same manner the ‘Madleen’ flotilla did, forcing Israel to intercept it on June 9 and arrest its passengers.

One of the passenger of ‘Handala’ told the Qatari Al Jazeera network that the yexpect to be arrested this afternoon and that they have decided to begin a hunger strike if they are detained.

According to the Oslo Accords Palestinians have agreed that Israel maintains exclusive control of the borders, the airspace and the territorial waters off Gaza. Any entrance to these waters requires Israel’s approval.

Kostis Konstantinou

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