Israel Intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla Bound for Gaza
Israeli forces have intercepted multiple boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing towards Gaza in international waters, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international network of pro-Palestinian activist groups. The flotilla, which included more than 40 civilian vessels, was carrying humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and volunteers, aiming to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.
Background and Context
The Global Sumud Flotilla was a grassroots humanitarian fleet consisting of around 500 participants, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists from over 40 different countries, among them Swedish climate campaigner, Greta Thunberg. This initiative was coordinated by the Global Sumud Flotilla Coalition, which aims to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and challenge Israel's blockade.
Interception and Detainment of Activists
The Israeli Navy reportedly began their operation 120 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. The boats were intercepted at varying distances from the coast of Gaza, with some reported to be as far as 220 kilometers away. Israeli forces employed drones, helicopters, and submarines in their intervention, according to reports from American intelligence sources to CBS.
Following the interception, the vessels and passengers were transferred to an Israeli port, and the Israeli foreign ministry confirmed that all on board will be deported. Footage released by the Israeli foreign ministry showed armed soldiers surrounding Greta Thunberg on one of the boats.
International Reactions and Consequences
The interception of the flotilla has been met with international criticism. The Australian government expressed deep concerns about the safety of its citizens on board, and the Brazilian Foreign Ministry deplored the Israeli military action, calling it a violation of rights that endangered peaceful protestors.
In Italy, the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) trade union announced a nationwide general strike in response to Israel's interception of the flotilla. The union accused Israel of violating international law and urged immediate mobilizations in all squares
before the strike.
Current Status
Despite the interception, the Global Sumud Flotilla tracker reports that three vessels, the Fair Lady, Marinette, and Mikeno, remain operational. However, the status of the Mikeno is uncertain as its communications are down. As of now, around 450 activists from the flotilla remain in Israeli detention, awaiting deportation. It is also reported that the crew of at least one ship, the Mikeno, may have succeeded in breaching the blockade and reached Palestinian territorial waters near Gaza's coast before losing contact.