Breaking news from Thursday confirms that the Israeli government has intercepted the majority of a flotilla attempting to deliver crucial humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Activists from various nations who were onboard these vessels have reportedly been detained.
Following the interception of several boats, communication with the flotilla was reportedly severed. Disturbing screen grabs from the flotilla’s live stream depicted Israeli soldiers boarding the vessels, with activists, many wearing life jackets, seen raising their hands in compliance.
Organizers of the flotilla immediately took to social media, condemning the Israeli Navy’s actions as an ‘illegal interception’ of multiple boats in international waters. They labeled it an ‘attack on unarmed humanitarians’ and shared video footage showing water cannons being used against the vessels. A statement from the organizers emphasized that Israel intervened in waters where it lacked jurisdiction.
On its part, the Israeli military announced Thursday that one vessel remained distant from the active conflict zone, asserting that any attempt to approach Gaza would be ‘prevented.’ The total number of boats participating in the flotilla was not immediately clear.
Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday evening that ‘several vessels’ had been ‘safely stopped.’ Israeli officials stated that passengers would be taken to an Israeli port for deportation. The ministry also released a video showing prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg, among other notable participants, calmly interacting with military personnel during a boarding operation.
News of the interception quickly ignited widespread protests globally, with many demonstrating in solidarity with the flotilla.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Who is onboard the flotilla?
- What are the group’s objectives?
- How has Israel reacted to the situation?
Who is onboard the flotilla?
The vessels belong to the Global Sumud Flotilla, an organization actively protesting Israel’s conflict in Gaza. Their stated mission is to provide much-needed food supplies amidst the dire humanitarian crisis plaguing the region.
The flotilla commenced its journey from Spain in September, gathering additional ships as it traversed the Mediterranean. It carried approximately 500 individuals, a figure confirmed by Suhad Bishara, a lawyer from the Adalah legal center, who has committed to representing the activists before Israeli authorities. Among the high-profile participants were Ms. Thunberg, Mandla Mandela (grandson of Nelson Mandela), and Italian lawmakers, reflecting the recent wave of anti-war protests that have swept across Italy.
The interception news immediately triggered further protests in numerous countries, including Italy, Belgium, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, and Turkey, as evidenced by videos and social media reports. Italy’s largest labor union has called for a general strike on Friday in defiance of the interception.
In a significant development on Wednesday night, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared the termination of a free-trade agreement with Israel and the expulsion of Israel’s diplomatic mission from Colombia. He cited the detention of two Colombian nationals in international waters. Concurrently, Turkey’s foreign minister denounced the flotilla’s interception as ‘an act of terrorism.’
Both France and Italy’s foreign ministers have stated their commitment to collaborating with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of the detained activists.
What are the group’s objectives?
The activists articulate a dual purpose: to breach the ongoing siege of Gaza and establish a maritime humanitarian corridor for aid delivery. They also aim to spotlight the immense suffering within the enclave, which has remained under an Israeli blockade since Hamas assumed control in 2007.
Restrictions imposed by Israel on goods entering Gaza have intensified significantly throughout the ongoing conflict, which commenced following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Health authorities in Gaza report over 65,000 Palestinian fatalities since the conflict’s inception, a count that does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
In recent months, certain areas of Gaza have been grappling with famine, as reported by a United Nations-backed panel of food experts—findings that Israel has disputed.
A video released by flotilla organizers Wednesday night captured Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist and member of the group’s steering committee, on one of the boats. He was seen responding to Israeli authorities’ demand for the flotilla to turn back.
Mr. Ávila asserted their mission was ‘peaceful, nonviolent humanitarian,’ emphasizing that the vessels carried only food, medical provisions, and essential items such as water filters.
Anticipating confrontation, the activists had reportedly undergone training for nonviolent responses to potential encounters with Israeli commandos.
How has Israel responded?
Israel has reiterated its commitment to preventing the ships from reaching Gaza, stating it will take all necessary measures. Furthermore, it has accused the flotilla of links to Hamas, claims vigorously denied by the organizers.
The Israeli foreign ministry announced Wednesday night that the flotilla had been instructed to ‘change course,’ citing its approach to an ‘active combat zone’ and its violation of ‘a lawful naval blockade.’
The ministry urged the group to offload its aid at an Israeli port for subsequent delivery to Gaza.
Flotilla organizers dismissed this proposal as disingenuous, further alleging Israeli involvement in jamming their communications and launching drone attacks during their voyage.
Following these incidents, Italy and Spain dispatched naval ships to escort the flotilla for portions of its route, while Turkey employed drones to monitor the vessels.
However, as the flotilla neared Gaza, Spanish officials strongly advised against its continued advance. Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, echoed this call for the flotilla to retreat, expressing concerns that its presence could jeopardize ongoing peace negotiations.
Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed reporting.