FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Hay Sha Wiya, FFC Press Officer
[email protected]
Handala Alters Course Amid Israeli Naval Threat
At 08:46 local time, human rights defender Huwaida Arraf aboard the Handala issued an urgent update:
Two vessels believed to be Israeli military crafts are currently very close to the Handala. Repeated attempts were made to contact the Israeli Navy via VHF channel 16, but no response has been received. The identity of these nearby vessels has not been confirmed, but their proximity has raised serious concerns for the safety of the civilians onboard.
As a precaution, the Handala has altered its course due south, toward the Egyptian coast and contiguous zone. The crew has sounded the onboard alarm and is preparing for potential escalation by Israeli forces.
At this time, the Handala does not intend to enter Egyptian waters but plans to sail parallel to the coastline. Should the threat from Israeli authorities escalate, the crew will attempt to contact the Egyptian Coast Guard to request emergency entry based on the threat to their lives.
We will provide updates as the situation develops.