Israeli forces have attacked the Handala, a humanitarian ship part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carrying unarmed international volunteers to break the siege and deliver aid to the people of Gaza. The ship was intercepted in international waters on intervening night of July 26–27 (IST), in a blatant violation of international law. This is clearly an act of piracy and a war crime.
This is the third assault in recent months on international humanitarian ships, following the attack on Madleen in June and a drone strike on Handala’s earlier attempt in May.
The assault on Handala comes amid a catastrophic famine and genocide in Gaza. Hundreds of children have died in just the past week from starvation under the blockade imposed by the Israeli's Netanyahu regime. Israeli forces, backed by the United States, continue to shoot unarmed civilians searching for food and are carrying out a systematic campaign of extermination against the civilian population of Gaza.
CPI(ML) strongly condemns this latest act of state piracy and stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Gaza and the courageous volunteers aboard Handala.
Break the siege. End the genocide and occupation. Free Palestine.
-- Issued by CPI(ML) on July 27
