The Israeli military intercepted a nine-boat flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza early Wednesday, detaining scores of activists on board. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation, stating the vessels were seized in the Mediterranean Sea.
The ministry said the 145 activists participating in the “Freedom Flotilla Coalition & Thousand Madleens to Gaza” were in good health and were being transported to an Israeli port for processing before deportation. It described the effort as “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing.”
Flotilla organizers, however, decried the detentions as “arbitrary and unlawful.” They stated the fleet, which included one large passenger ship and eight smaller sailboats, was intercepted around 120 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza in international waters. Live broadcasts from the vessels showed Israeli forces approaching on fast-moving ships and boarding the boats before the feeds were cut off. Organizers reported no injuries.
The activists on board included doctors, at least one member of the European parliament, and several national lawmakers from Turkey, Denmark, France, and Belgium. A passenger list also showed two Israeli citizens were aboard the largest boat, the Conscience. The flotilla was carrying food and medical aid destined for Gaza hospitals.
This incident follows the interception last week of the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” a high-profile convoy of more than 40 boats carrying nearly 450 activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg. While most activists from that flotilla have been deported, lawyers said six individuals from Norway, Morocco, and Spain remain detained in Israel.
The interceptions have sparked international condemnation. Turkey strongly condemned the latest action, calling it an “act of piracy” and a serious violation of international law. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said it had launched diplomatic efforts to secure the immediate release and safe return of its citizens and was coordinating with other countries regarding the status of other activists.
Some deported activists from the previous flotilla have described mistreatment while in Israeli custody, claims that Israel denies. In response to the first interception, dozens of parliamentarians from Turkey and European countries issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s actions and demanding the immediate release of the remaining detained activists.
The flotillas are attempting to establish a humanitarian sea corridor to Gaza, where international aid agencies report severe shortages of essential supplies. Israel has maintained a blockade on the Gaza Strip since Hamas seized power in 2007, asserting it is necessary to contain the militant group.
