The Israeli military intercepted and boarded multiple Gaza-bound aid ships on Wednesday evening, as confirmed by the organizers of the mission. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which aims to deliver essential supplies to the people of Gaza, declared their commitment to “continue undeterred” despite the interception. In a statement, GSF reported that several of their vessels, including the Alma, Surius, and Adara, were “illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli Occupation Forces in international waters.”
According to GSF, live-stream coverage and communication were lost with several other boats in the flotilla. The organization is actively working to account for all participants and crew members involved. “Despite the interception of a few vessels, the Global Sumud Flotilla is currently 70 nautical miles away from the Gaza coastline and will continue its mission,” they stated.
Israel's foreign ministry confirmed the interception, stating that several vessels had been “safely stopped” and their passengers were being “transferred to an Israeli port.” The ministry reassured the public, stating, “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy,” referencing Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who was seen in a video surrounded by military personnel. Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli navy had contacted the flotilla, requesting a change in course, citing that it was approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade.
GSF reported detecting more than 20 unidentified vessels just three nautical miles ahead of their fleet. Following the interception, France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, urged Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of the flotilla participants and to “guarantee their right to consular protection.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla consists of over 500 participants from various countries, having set sail from Barcelona, Spain, on August 31. The convoy has been joined by additional activist ships from other Mediterranean ports as it approaches Gaza. The primary goal of the flotilla is to deliver vital supplies, including food, water, and medicine, to civilians in Gaza, attempting to break the 18-year Israeli maritime blockade.
This humanitarian effort includes lawmakers from Spain and Italy, alongside notable activists like Thunberg. The flotilla's organizers assert that their mission is solely to deliver aid directly to the civilians of Gaza, rejecting alternative routes proposed by the Israeli government.
In response to the alleged aerial attacks on the flotilla vessels, both Italy and Spain have pledged to send naval vessels to assist the humanitarian mission. However, Spain has clarified that its ship will not enter Israel's maritime exclusion zone off Gaza’s coast, while Italy has instructed the flotilla to remain at least 150 nautical miles away from Gaza. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advised participants against risking their safety by continuing their mission, emphasizing that the Italian government could deliver aid more safely and efficiently.
Previous attempts by overseas activists to deliver aid to Gaza have often met with interception by Israeli forces or attacks. In May, activists reported being targeted by an Israeli drone in international waters off Malta. The Israeli military did not deny involvement, and an Israeli Air Force cargo plane was tracked circling the area before the incident. The situation recalls the tragic events of 2010, when Israeli forces attacked an aid flotilla in international waters, resulting in the deaths of nine Turkish nationals and inciting global outrage.
As the Global Sumud Flotilla continues its mission, the international community remains watchful of the unfolding events and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
