A fleet of ships aiming to provide aid to the conflict-torn Gaza Strip was intercepted by Israeli forces in the open sea on Wednesday, according to the coalition leading the convoy. This marks the second interception within a week.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) is a global alliance of pro-Palestinian activist organizations that coordinates civilian maritime missions to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the region.
Israel’s foreign ministry reported that the flotilla’s vessels and passengers were unharmed, taken to an Israeli port, and set to be deported swiftly. The ministry labeled the incident as “yet another failed attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and access a war zone.”
This occurrence follows a similar event where Israel intercepted around 40 vessels and detained over 450 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, also striving to provide aid to Gaza.
The FFC accused Israeli forces of seizing the humanitarian fleet unlawfully, stating that participants, including aid workers, medical professionals, and journalists from various countries, were forcibly detained under unknown circumstances.
Emphasizing that the Israeli military lacks jurisdiction in international waters, the FFC affirmed that their flotilla posed no threat. They disclosed that the ships carried aid valued at over $110,000, comprising medications, respiratory devices, and nutritional provisions designated for Gaza’s beleaguered hospitals.
According to Gaza authorities, approximately 67,000 individuals have perished, and the Palestinian territory has suffered extensive damage due to Israel’s offensive since the assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023. In contrast, Israel claims that 1,200 individuals lost their lives, with 251 taken captive in the Hamas attack.