WANA (Jul 27) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei strongly condemned the Israeli navy’s attack on the “Handala” ship, describing it as a clear case of maritime piracy.

 

On Sunday night (July 27), Baghaei denounced the Israeli regime’s assault on the “Handala” ship—carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters—as a blatant violation of international law and a continuation of the regime’s policy of genocide in the occupied territories.

 

He stated that the attack aimed to enforce the inhumane and unlawful blockade on Gaza and to escalate the deliberate starvation and suffering of defenseless civilians in the region.

 

Baghaei added that the assault on the “Handala” ship, following a similar attack on the “Maddalena,” was a blatant affront to the principles and rules of international law and must be firmly condemned by all states and international bodies.

 

He concluded by emphasizing the urgent need to lift the imposed blockade on Gaza, ensure the swift and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid, and distribute such aid solely through recognized international mechanisms.

Despite the risks of confronting the Israeli military, the “Handala” ship departed from Italian waters on July 12, determined to demonstrate that the path of truth and justice will not be abandoned. Its voyage serves as a sign that the will to defend human rights remains strong in the hearts of many.

 

This mission took place less than two months after the illegal seizure of the “Maddalena” ship by Israeli forces. That vessel, which sailed toward Gaza in June, carried 12 civil society activists—including doctors, journalists, and a member of the European Parliament. Israeli forces detained and interrogated them before deporting them.

 

The “Handala” ship is part of the Freedom Flotilla, a grassroots international coalition that has been challenging the blockade since 2010. Volunteers on board include doctors, lawyers, journalists, and photographers.

 

The ship is named after “Handala,” a barefoot cartoon child created by Palestinian artist Naji al-Ali, who famously turns his back to the world and vows not to face forward until Palestine is free. A depiction of this iconic figure is painted on the ship’s hull.