Israel has intercepted more than 50 ships carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza
The Israeli military intercepted a flotilla of ships in international waters that was heading toward the Gaza Strip carrying humanitarian aid and activists from various countries.
Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) reported that Israeli forces boarded the ships approximately 250 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. According to them, a total of more than 50 ships were stopped.
This was reported by the BBC.
Videos released show armed commandos boarding several ships while passengers hold their hands up. The mission’s organizers called Israel’s actions “yet another illegal act of aggression on the high seas” and stated that the flotilla was peaceful and humanitarian in nature.
“We demand safe passage for our legitimate, nonviolent humanitarian mission,” the GSF stated.
According to the organizers, the flotilla consisted of more than 50 ships and over 460 activists from 45 countries. They were carrying food, baby formula, and medical supplies for the residents of Gaza. In the afternoon, activists reported that Israeli forces had already intercepted at least 16 ships.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation and stated that the military was “neutralizing a harmful plan” aimed at breaking the naval blockade of Gaza.
“You are doing this job very successfully,” Netanyahu said during an address to the Israeli Navy command.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that it would not allow a breach of the Gaza blockade and called the flotilla a “provocation.” The ministry also claims that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is being met by international supplies, and that the action itself is allegedly aimed at supporting Hamas.
Turkey sharply criticized Israel’s actions, calling the interception of ships in international waters “a new act of piracy.” Hamas representative Bassem Naim, in turn, accused Israel of “state terrorism” and undermining the international order.
It is worth noting that this is not the first such incident in the past month. In late April, Israeli forces intercepted another flotilla near Crete. At that time, more than 180 activists were detained, most of whom were later released.
The UN previously reported that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains critical. Many residents of the enclave still live in overcrowded camps or damaged buildings, and access to clean water, fuel, and medical services remains limited.
Israellaunched airstrikes on Lebanon a few hours after the ceasefire was extended.
Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon and announced the start of a move toward a diplomatic settlement, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that the war against Hezbollah is not yet over and military operations will continue.
