Crew Member Of The Aid Ship Attacked By The Israeli Military Shares Her Experience

Quick Overview

Palestinian American human rights lawyer Hedy El-Khouly recounts the Israeli military's interception of the humanitarian aid ship Handala, detailing the seizure of supplies like baby formula and the detention and alleged assault of activists, including Chris Smalls, in international waters, highlighting the illegality of the blockade and the disproportionate force used.

Key Points: Israeli forces intercepted the humanitarian ship Handala in international waters, seizing its cargo of baby formula and other aid. Activist Hedy El-Khouly stated, "we are sailing lawfully in international waters where you have no jurisdiction, have no lawful jurisdiction. Starving civilians. Any blockade that starves civilians or has a disproportionate harmful effect on a civilian population is illegal." Dozens of armed and masked Israeli soldiers boarded the vessel, detaining 19 activists and two journalists, and jamming communications. Chris Smalls, a prominent activist, was allegedly choked and kicked by Israeli personnel during detention, with concerns of racial bias as he was the only African-American on board. Fourteen volunteers remain in Israeli detention on hunger strike after refusing expedited deportation. El-Khouly criticized governments for providing consular services to detained activists rather than protesting Israel's actions, calling it "legitimizing Israeli piracy." Activists undertook the mission to protest the deliberate starvation of children in Gaza and express a commitment to the long-term struggle for Palestinian freedom.

Context: This analysis is based on an interview with Hedy El-Khouly, a Palestinian American human rights lawyer and activist who was on board the humanitarian ship Handala when it was intercepted by the Israeli military. The Handala was part of a freedom flotilla attempting to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, including baby formula. The interview details the events of the interception, the activists' experiences during detention, and their motivations for undertaking such a risky mission.