A livestream shared by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition shows at least half a dozen Israeli soldiers have boarded the aid vessel.
The activists aboard are sitting together, wearing life jackets and with their arms raised.
We have obtained a video clip of Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian American activist and lawyer who was aboard the Handala, shortly before the boat was intercepted by Israeli forces.
Here is what she told the Israeli Navy:
“Israeli Navy, this is a civilian vessel, Handala. Let me give you a lesson in international law.
“Any blockade that deliberately starves a civilian population is a violation of international law. It is not only that – it is a war crime. You have no legal authority to enforce an unlawful blockade. And as such, you have no authority to use force to enforce an unlawful blockade.
“Therefore, we demand that you stand down. You are responsible for the well-being of every civilian onboard this vessel. As an occupying power in Gaza, you are responsible for the health and well-being of the civilian population there.
“Not only have you disregarded that obligation, but you are actively exterminating the people. You have engineered a famine. You are deliberately starving civilians and children before the eyes of the world.
“Our vessel does not constitute any threat to you. We carry only humanitarian aid, and therefore you have no authority to intercept or otherwise attack our vessel. We demand again that you stand down.”