Activists Claim Israeli Forces 'Kidnapped' Them From Ship as They Attempted to Deliver Baby Formula, Other Crucial Aid to Gaza

Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid ship carrying urgently needed supplies, including baby formula, in international waters Saturday night, prompting activists on board to share videos on social media claiming they had been kidnapped.

A YouTube livestream captured the moment armed personnel boarded the Handala, a ship operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and named after a well-known Palestinian cartoon character. On deck, the 21 activists were captured surrendering as the vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces, according to reporting by CNN.

The activists, which included Christ Smalls, former president of the Amazon Labor Union, were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, where more than 2.2 million Palestinians face famine-level conditions amid Israel's ongoing blockade. The hunger-related death toll in Gaza reached 133, 87 of them children, on Sunday.

"The unarmed boat was carrying life-saving supplies when it was boarded by Israeli forces, its passengers abducted, and its cargo seized," the FFC said in a statement issued shortly after the livestream ended. The group added that the cargo included baby formula, diapers, food, and medicine.

Earlier Saturday evening, Handala crew members were seen donning reflective life jackets after Australian volunteer Tania Safi told CNN the ship was being "circled by Israeli Heron drones."

"Everyone here has prepared for almost every possible scenario that Israel could put us through," Safi said Saturday afternoon, according to CNN. "If they intercept us, it would be a violation of international maritime law."

A U.S. State Department spokesperson dismissed the aid mission in a statement released Thursday, calling it a publicity stunt.

"The latest 'selfie flotilla' should end the stunts," the spokesperson said. "The real story is the serious people who put their lives on the line to get food and aid to the people of Gaza without it falling into the hands of terrorists."

The spokesperson added that the State Department has "no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens" and referred inquiries to the Israeli government.

Last month, 12 activists aboard the Madleen, including Greta Thunberg, also attempted to break the siege. They, too, posted videos saying they had been kidnapped by Israeli forces. All 12 were eventually released.