Israeli naval forces intercepted a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza yesterday, ending its latest attempt to break Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising around 45 vessels, included politicians, activists, and Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
The flotilla departed Spain last month to deliver aid to Gaza, where the UN reports famine-like conditions following the war triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Passengers Safe, Some Detained
Israel warned the flotilla against entering waters under its blockade and posted footage of Thunberg retrieving her belongings. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the passengers were safe and were being transferred to an Israeli port.
However, Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian European Parliament member traveling with the flotilla, claimed on X that “hundreds” had been “illegally arrested and arbitrarily detained” during the interception.
Flotilla Reports Aggressive Maneuvers
The flotilla said Israeli forces intercepted ships, including the Alma, Sirius, and Adara, in international waters. Organizers described aggressive circling of vessels by Israeli warships and “harassing manoeuvres” against the flotilla.
The flotilla vowed to continue its mission despite “intimidation” and stated it remained vigilant as it approached areas where previous attempts had been blocked.
International Reactions
Hamas condemned the interception as a “crime of piracy and maritime terrorism.” Turkey’s foreign minister described the interception as “an act of terrorism” violating international law. Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans to expel remaining Israeli diplomats.
Spain and Italy, which sent naval escorts, had urged the flotilla to stop before entering Israel’s exclusion zone. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for the flotilla to halt, warning that it could jeopardize ongoing peace negotiations.
Global Support and Protests
Supporters of the flotilla staged protests in Europe, including a general strike in Italy and demonstrations in Naples, where pro-Palestinian activists blocked trains.
The flotilla, carrying notable figures including Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, reported yesterday that it was less than 90 nautical miles (about 170 km) from Gaza before being intercepted.
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