The Israeli Navy intercepts the Sumud flotilla in international waters en route to Gaza
The Israeli Navy has intercepted the "Sumud flotilla" in international waters as it was heading toward the Gaza Strip. Activists report that the military used force and blocked communications on board the ships.
The Israeli Navy has launched an operation to intercept the ships of the “Sumud flotilla” heading toward the Gaza Strip. Activists reported on social media platform X that speedboats carrying soldiers, who identified themselves as members of the Israeli Navy, approached their ships. According to them, the soldiers aimed laser sights and automatic weapons at them, ordering them to gather at the bow of the ships and kneel.
Navigation and communication systems were jammed on most of the ships. The flotilla sent out an SOS signal. At the same time, a live stream continued on YouTube from several ships.
In a video released by members of the flotilla, Israeli military personnel can be heard saying: “This is the Israeli Navy. Attempts to breach the lawful naval blockade of the Gaza Strip constitute a violation of international law. If you wish to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, you may do so through established and recognized channels. Please change course and return to your port of departure. If you are carrying humanitarian aid, you may proceed to the port of Ashdod, where the cargo will undergo security screening and be delivered to the Gaza Strip.”
The interception is taking place several hundred kilometers off the coast of Israel—in international waters near Greece, which is significantly farther than during previous similar operations. There are 404 activists aboard the 58 vessels. The flotilla set sail from Barcelona ten days ago, passed Sicily and Crete, and was heading toward the Gaza coast.
An Israeli source explained to Ynet that the decision to intercept at such a distance is related to the size of the flotilla. According to the source, this decision was made at the political level.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a video on social media platform X that was filmed aboard one of the “flotilla” ships. It is claimed that condoms and drugs were found in the “first-aid kit” instead of medicine.
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