Gaza Aid Boat Intercepted by Israel Amid Starvation⁢ Crisis

Gaza is facing a “man-made ⁢mass starvation,” ⁣the World ⁣Health Association’s chief has warned, as an aid boat attempting to reach the ⁣besieged Palestinian territory was intercepted by the ⁢Israeli army.

The vessel,named Handala and part of the Freedom Flotilla coalition,was reportedly stopped in international waters on Saturday,according to reports from the coalition. The ⁢interception comes as the humanitarian situation in⁣ Gaza deteriorates rapidly, with aid distribution severely⁢ hampered.

Aid was formerly distributed through more than 400 distribution points ⁤under a ⁣UN-lead system, but Israel has all but stopped UN aid into the territory since March.this blockade has exacerbated the dire conditions for Gazans, who are struggling to access basic necessities.

The Handala’s crew had stated‍ in a social media post that thay woudl go on a hunger strike if the Israeli army intercepted the boat and detained its passengers.This threat underscores the ⁣desperation of those attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

This is not the first time the Freedom Flotilla has faced Israeli ‍intervention. The ⁢last boat sent by the coalition, the Madleen, was intercepted by the Israeli army in international⁣ waters on June 9 and towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod. It carried 12⁤ campaigners on board, including swedish⁣ activist Greta Thunberg, who were eventually expelled by Israel.

The⁤ history of the Freedom Flotilla is marked ⁣by significant‍ confrontations. In 2010,nine‍ flotilla activists en route to Gaza on board the Mavi⁣ Marmara flagship vessel were shot a total of 30 times by ⁤Israeli soldiers. Five were killed by close-range gunshot wounds to the head, an incident that drew⁣ widespread international condemnation.

The Australian foreign minister,Penny Wong,and the Israeli embassy in Canberra were approached for comment regarding‍ the latest interception.

The situation⁣ highlights the ⁢ongoing challenges in delivering essential⁣ aid to Gaza and the escalating humanitarian crisis within the territory.

– with Agence France-Presse