The Israeli Navy has started intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla near Gaza after issuing a final warning to the activists on board. The flotilla, which aims to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza, has faced intervention as Navy vessels were seen approaching the boats. Reports indicate that arrests of participants are underway.
Footage shared on social media shows a Navy vessel near one of the boats, while Al Jazeera reported that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops had begun detaining those involved in the flotilla.
The Israeli Navy had earlier issued a radio message urging the flotilla to alter its course, warning that they were approaching a blockaded zone. The Navy’s communication offered an alternative, advising the activists to redirect the boats to the port of Ashdod, where the aid would be inspected before being transferred to Gaza.
In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry described the flotilla as a provocative effort, stating that both Israel and other countries, including Italy and Greece, had offered peaceful channels for delivering aid to Gaza. The ministry reiterated that the flotilla’s refusal to accept these offers indicated its intent to provoke rather than deliver aid.
On Wednesday, the foreign ministries of Greece and Italy issued a joint statement urging the flotilla to accept the offer from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem to safely deliver aid to Gaza. The statement called on Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and security of the participants, stressing the importance of consular protection.
Earlier in the day, Global Sumud reported increased drone activity as it neared Gaza, highlighting the risks involved as it entered the area where previous flotillas had been intercepted. The flotilla organizers stated their belief that they were entering a high-risk zone.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry had warned the participants last week, labeling the flotilla as a “Hamas flotilla” and emphasizing its stance against breaching the naval blockade. Israel reiterated its offer for peaceful aid delivery through designated channels and urged the flotilla to comply with legal procedures to avoid escalation.
