A civilian ship carrying aid to Palestinians in Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters on Saturday, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition confirmed.

Seven out of the 21 volunteers aboard the Handala are U.S. citizens, including our guest, the Palestinian American human rights attorney Huwaida Arraf. Arraf has participated in Freedom Flotilla missions for over a decade.

When he reached the Israeli prison, U.S. human rights defender Chris Smalls was physically assaulted by seven uniformed individuals,’ says coalition

Israeli special forces have raided a new “freedom flotilla” boat trying to deliver food and baby formula to Gaza.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has reported that prominent US labor activist Chris Smalls was physically assaulted while in Israeli custody after being detained during a humanitarian mission to Gaza.

The Israeli military intercepted and seized the Gaza Freedom Flotilla vessel The Handala late Saturday night local time as it attempted to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to the besieged people of Gaza.

As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza deepens and the international community continues to grapple with the fallout of Israel’s months-long siege, seasoned activist Greta Berlin remains resolute: the ships will keep sailing.

The boat was said to carry humanitarian aid, including baby formula, diapers, and food.