Activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla reported that Israeli warships had surrounded several boats and were in the process of intercepting the main vessels. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s official channels issued a statement denouncing the “illegal interception” of their vessels, with concerns raised about the safety and status of all participants on board. The Maghreb contingent of the Flotilla noted that the warships were closing in on the flotilla, with only 81 nautical miles left to reach Gaza.
Notable figures on board, including French politician Marie Mesmeur and Franco-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan, confirmed that their boats were also being intercepted. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising approximately 45 vessels carrying activists and politicians like Greta Thunberg, departed from Spain with the goal of challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza, an area facing severe humanitarian crises according to the UN.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video showing an Israeli navy officer instructing the flotilla to redirect to the Israeli port of Ashdod for a security inspection before aid could be transferred to Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot mentioned on social media that Israeli authorities were currently boarding the flotilla after previous warnings against entering the blockade zone.
Spain and Italy, which provided naval escorts, had advised the flotilla to halt before reaching Israel’s exclusion zone near Gaza. Italy’s foreign minister received assurances from his Israeli counterpart that no violent actions would be taken against the activists on board the flotilla.
Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam, part of the flotilla, condemned world leaders for their alleged complicity in Israel’s actions against Palestine. He emphasized the importance of international solidarity in addressing the situation in Palestine and expressed determination to break the blockade.
Following a stop in Tunisia and facing incidents of intimidation, the flotilla resumed its journey towards Gaza. Despite previous Israeli interference, the group remained committed to delivering aid to Gaza. Italy and Greece jointly called for the safety of the flotilla’s participants, urging both the activists and Israeli authorities to avoid actions that could escalate tensions. Spanish and Italian leaders voiced their hopes for a peaceful resolution and cautioned against jeopardizing ongoing peace negotiations.
The activists’ voyage continues amid heightened tensions and international calls for restraint and dialogue to resolve the situation peacefully.