Sumud Flotilla Continues to Gaza Despite Israeli Blocks
Global Sumud Flotilla Pushes On Despite Israeli Interceptions
Several Israeli forces have intercepted and stopped 14 boats carrying foreign activists and humanitarian aid destined for Gaza. However, flotilla organizers report that 23 vessels continue their journey toward the conflict-hit Palestinian enclave, according to their tracking system.
Among them, the ship Mikeno successfully broke through after facing more than 20 interception attempts by Israeli forces. It is now sailing just 9 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza in Palestinian waters.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, the most prominent initiative challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza, is carrying medicine and food. The flotilla comprises more than 40 civilian boats with around 500 participants, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists.
Several videos shared on Telegram show people on the boats holding their passports, claiming they were taken to Israel against their will, while emphasizing that the mission is purely humanitarian and non-violent.
In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated on X that “several vessels of the flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port,” adding, “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”
Rising International Tensions
The flotilla has drawn global attention as it moved across the Mediterranean, with countries including Turkey, Spain, and Italy monitoring the mission. Turkey called Israel’s interception “an act of terror” that put civilian lives at risk.
Turkey’s Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens on the flotilla. Charges reportedly include deprivation of liberty, seizure of transport vehicles, and property damage, according to Anadolu News Agency.
Meanwhile, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro ordered the expulsion of Israel’s entire diplomatic delegation following the detention of two Colombian nationals on the flotilla. Israel has not had an ambassador in Colombia since last year.
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