Jerusalem, Oct 3: The Israeli navy has intercepted the majority of vessels in a flotilla attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza, detaining dozens of activists aboard. Organizers reported that one boat managed to continue its course but halted near Gaza’s coast on Thursday morning before contact was lost.The Global Sumud Flotilla stated that 39 of their boats were intercepted or presumed intercepted by Thursday morning in an Israeli operation that commenced the previous night. Unlike earlier attempts, this flotilla was the largest yet to challenge the blockade, with activists hoping that the sheer number of boats would complicate Israeli efforts to intercept them all.
Organizers maintained communication with two vessels, though one was anticipating imminent boarding by Israeli troops. They also lost contact with a remaining boat whose last known coordinates indicated it was only a few miles from Gaza’s shores, within territorial waters.
In response to the interception, supporters of the flotilla held protests in several major cities, including Rome, Naples, Istanbul, Athens, and Buenos Aires, to denounce Israeli actions and the ongoing offensive in Gaza. Further demonstrations were anticipated on Thursday, with Italy’s largest union calling for a one-day general strike on Friday.
The flotilla, which began with more than 40 boats and 500 activists, was carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The voyage was streamed online via live cameras aboard different boats, though connections were lost as Israeli authorities began intercepting them in international waters on Wednesday evening.
Among those detained were notable figures such as Greta Thunberg, former mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. Israel’s Foreign Ministry released photos and videos of the activists, stating they were “safe and in good health” and would be transferred to Israel for deportation procedures to Europe.
Earlier, live broadcasts from the activists showed Israeli boats approaching their vessels, spraying them with water cannons and flashing bright lights before soldiers boarded the flotilla. Anticipating the interceptions, activists donned life jackets, sat in circles, and raised their hands in the air. Some managed to stream the moment live from their cell phones before discarding their devices into the sea.
The night-long operation, which continued into the morning, appeared to be largely peaceful.
Governments worldwide, including those of Turkey, Colombia, Pakistan, and Malaysia, condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla. Italy and France, which had advised their activists to avoid confrontation with Israel, stated they were working with Israeli diplomats to facilitate the safe return of their nationals.