In a dramatic escalation, Israeli naval forces have intercepted the largest humanitarian flotilla attempting to reach Gaza, detaining hundreds of activists from dozens of vessels. The final ship, the Polish-flagged Marinette, was seized Friday morning after reportedly facing engine problems, leaving a six-member crew in Israeli custody.
The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, originally comprised 44 vessels aiming to deliver aid to the war-stricken Gaza Strip. Video footage from the scene showed Israeli forces boarding the Marinette in full military gear, marking the end of the mission.
Authorities report that all 461 detained activists are safe and will eventually be deported, with four Italian citizens already sent home. Meanwhile, several detainees have initiated an open-ended hunger strike to protest their detention.
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Journalists on board, including over 20 foreign reporters, were also taken into custody. Media watchdogs condemned the arrests, emphasizing that journalists’ rights to report on humanitarian efforts were being violated.
The flotilla included volunteers and prominent figures from around the world, with participants from more than 40 countries. Among them were environmental activist Greta Thunberg, former politicians, and humanitarian workers.
The international response has been swift. Governments and advocacy groups have criticized Israel’s actions as a violation of international law, while protests erupted globally in solidarity with the detained activists. Leaders from several European countries and Latin America have called for their immediate release and stressed the humanitarian mission’s peaceful intent.
The flotilla represents one of the most significant attempts to deliver aid to Gaza by sea. Supporters argue the blockade has left civilians in dire need, making these humanitarian efforts urgent and necessary.
Amid the tense standoff, organizers of the mission maintain that they remain committed to providing relief to Gaza, vowing to continue their efforts through other channels.
