UNI Global Union has called for the immediate release of the civilian crew aboard the humanitarian aid ship Handala, including UNI colleague Hatem Aouini from Tunisia. The vessel was intercepted in international waters while carrying supplies such as baby formula, diapers, food, and medicine intended for Gaza’s population.

According to UNI Global Union, Israel brought the volunteers into its territory against their will and is holding them pending deportation hearings.

Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, stated: “While our international institutions are paralyzed, these brave activists are taking bold steps to deliver life-saving aid to Gazans. We demand the immediate release of the Handala crew, and critically, for full, unhindered and safe aid delivery across Gaza. It is criminal that Israel is blocking humanitarian relief, and it is shameful that so many other governments are complicit in this cruelty. The world cannot stand by and watch the Gazans starve.”