Israeli naval forces boarded a majority of vessels from a flotilla attempting to breach the blockade of Gaza on Thursday, apprehending numerous activists and several European lawmakers. This action has sparked widespread international criticism. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s organizers reported that one boat managed to reach the vicinity of Gaza’s coast before communication was lost early Thursday morning.
According to the flotilla’s organizers, 39 boats were intercepted or believed to be intercepted in an Israeli operation that began the previous night. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the safety of the detained activists, including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg, stating they were being transported to Israel.
In a social media update, the foreign ministry claimed, “The activists and their boats are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health.”
Comprising nearly 50 boats and around 500 activists, the Global Sumud Flotilla aimed to deliver a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza. High-profile participants include Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and several European lawmakers. The group has vowed to persist in its mission to provide aid to Palestinians despite the blockade.
Greg Stoker, an American veteran aboard the Ohwayla, one of the boats, reported in a shaky Instagram video that a dozen Israeli naval vessels approached them, demanding they turn off their engines or face seizure. Activists reported that Israeli forces used water cannons against some boats.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry shared footage showing Thunberg on the deck of a ship receiving a water bottle and raincoat. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that the intercepted boats would be towed to Ashdod and that the activists would be deported soon after. He assured that the Israeli forces had been instructed “not to use violence.”
The flotilla’s vessels experienced drone attacks while docked in Tunisia and later while sailing near Greece. These drone strikes reportedly ignited fires on two boats, with Tunisian authorities confirming an investigation into at least one of the attacks as a “deliberate act.”
In response to the flotilla’s interception, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s actions as “an act of terrorism” and a violation of international law, asserting that measures would be taken to facilitate the release of detained Turkish citizens and other passengers.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned on Wednesday that Israel’s military action against the flotilla would lead to the expulsion of its diplomatic mission in Colombia and the termination of the free trade agreement with Israel. He has characterized Israel’s blockade of Gaza as genocide.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also condemned the interception, revealing that eight Malaysians had been detained, stating, “By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world.”
European governments, including Spain and Italy, which had deployed naval ships to escort the flotilla for portions of its journey, urged the activists to turn back. While Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued that the flotilla’s actions jeopardized ongoing peace efforts, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended them, emphasizing the humanitarian nature of the mission. He noted that Spanish participants would receive full diplomatic protection, insisting, “They present no threat nor danger to Israel.”
The British foreign office expressed concerns regarding the flotilla’s situation and communicated its intention to assist families of British nationals involved, advocating that the aid be turned over to humanitarian organizations for safe delivery to Gaza.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that Mandla Mandela was among those detained and denounced the interception as proof of Israeli violations of international law, demanding the immediate release of all individuals involved with the flotilla.
The flotilla, which began its journey from Barcelona a month ago, was nearing Gaza when it faced interception. Following warnings from Israeli forces about entering an “active combat zone,” the activists resumed their course, sharing their experiences through livestreams. As the Israeli military approached, some activists prepared for confrontation, broadcasting their last moments before discarding their devices.
This flotilla represents the largest initiative to challenge Israel’s 18-year maritime blockade on Gaza. The Israeli navy had previously warned the activists not to enter this dangerous area, reminding them of the possibility of interception. With operational support, Israeli officials have characterized the flotilla’s endeavors as provocative, alleging that its participants have connections to Hamas, though substantial evidence for this claim remains absent.
The legality of the blockade continues to be debated, with different interpretations regarding international law. An international law expert noted that humanitarian aid can legally traverse from international waters to Gaza, provided certain conditions are met.
Overall, the Global Sumud Flotilla’s mission underscores the complexities intertwined with humanitarian efforts in volatile geopolitical landscapes.
