Israel confirms interception of flotilla
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced overnight that all 430 members of a new Gaza flotilla intercepted off Cyprus on Monday by the Israeli Navy are being transferred to Israel.
“All 430 activists were transferred to Israeli vessels and are being taken to Israel, where they will be allowed to contact consular representatives of their countries,” the ministry said.
Global Sumud Flotilla response
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which consisted of around 50 vessels, said earlier that Israeli forces had begun boarding its ships.
“We strongly condemn the Israeli occupation for once again illegally and violently intercepting our international humanitarian fleet and abducting our volunteers,” the organisers said in a post on X, calling for the immediate release of the activists and an end to the blockade of Gaza.
Third attempt to break Gaza blockade
This marks the third attempt in the past year to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory devastated by war and facing severe shortages despite a ceasefire following the conflict that began in October 2023.
The blockade, first imposed in 2007, remains in place and is supported in practice by Egypt.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the interception, saying the flotilla aimed to deliver aid to “terrorists in Gaza” and described the operation as a “significant success” for Israeli forces.
He added that the military should continue operations “until the end”.
Israel defends blockade
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that no violation of the legal naval blockade of Gaza would be allowed.
Organisers, however, accused Israel of normalising violations of maritime law and the “abduction of peaceful civilians in international waters”.
The situation comes amid ongoing international debate over the legality and humanitarian impact of the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.
Also read: Flotilla in Paphos due to damage – “request to take down Palestinian flags”
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