A protruding handle can prevent normal closure or put pressure on the seal when the door is forced. The load must fit the intended washing space.
Understanding this situation
This is separate from a door or seal that is already damaged. Removing the obstruction may resolve the loading problem, but ongoing leakage or abnormal closure still needs assessment.
A useful next step
Rearrange the cookware before starting and check that the door closes normally without pressure. Do not use the latch to compress a bulky load into place. If a leak occurred, report the timing and any trapped item rather than repeatedly testing another full cycle.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.