Israeli navy assaults Gaza-bound flotilla, detaining hundreds
(MENAFN) Israeli naval forces launched an attack on an international aid flotilla heading toward Gaza, detaining at least 317 activists, according to reports from flotilla organizers.
Tracking data indicates that 21 vessels were directly targeted by Israeli forces, 19 others were reportedly engaged, and four ships remain en route to Gaza. The detained activists represent numerous countries, including Spain, Italy, Brazil, Turkey, Greece, the US, Germany, Sweden, the UK, and France.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced via social media that those detained are being transported to Ashdod Port in Israel, from where they are expected to be deported to Europe.
The flotilla’s tracker showed that the Mikeno vessel reached Gaza’s territorial waters, though contact was lost when it was approximately 9.3 nautical miles from the coast. Turkish activist Erdem Ozveren reported that another vessel from the mission was less than 30 nautical miles (55 kilometers) from Gaza.
Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli forces surrounded the convoy as it attempted to challenge the longstanding blockade of Gaza. Activists reported widespread signal jamming and communication disruptions on many of the boats.
Several participants shared videos showing Israeli naval vessels approaching the flotilla and ordering ships to change course. “We are being attacked right now by the Zionist (Israeli) army,” the International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza said via social media. “Some ships have already been intercepted and a state of emergency has been declared aboard all vessels.”
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