The Moroccan journalist Mohamed El Bakkali touched down in Paris last night, Monday, after being released by Israeli authorities. He had been detained alongside several international activists during a peaceful maritime mission aboard the ship «Handala». This vessel embarked from Syracuse, Sicily, on July 13, 2025, aiming to break the maritime blockade on Gaza and deliver crucial food and medical aid to its besieged population. Upon landing at Paris Airport, El Bakkali expressed his gratitude on Facebook, stating, «I am at a loss for words to thank you, grateful to you all. For your words, your writings, your messages, your prayers. I will never forget this support». El Bakkali noted that he remains in Paris, awaiting his scheduled flight to Casablanca this morning. The Israeli navy intercepted the «Handala» on Saturday evening in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea, detaining all those on board, including El Bakkali, and transporting them to Israel. Prior to his detention, El Bakkali had recorded a video plea to Moroccan authorities, urging them to act on his behalf should the Israeli military intercept him. His arrest ignited a wave of outrage within Moroccan political circles, with both leftist and Islamist parties demanding his swift release.
