Israeli forces have intercepted a flotilla of civilian boats trying to break the naval blockade of Gaza. The group includes hundreds of humanitarian activists, including Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which consists of nearly 50 boats, was sailing in international waters, about 70 nautical miles off Gaza, when Israeli navy vessels moved in.
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As the flotilla got closer to Gaza, a voice from the Israeli side warned, “This is the Israeli Navy. You are approaching a blockaded zone. If you wish to deliver aid to Gaza, you may do so through the established channels.”
Activists aboard livestreamed as Israeli ships surrounded them. Some even tossed their phones into the sea. Others sat silently on deck, their hands raised, in what they called a peaceful and humanitarian mission.
One of the activists, American Greg Stoker, shared regular updates. One shows what he says is the Israeli Navy trying to spray the flotilla with skunk water.
Israel’s comments
Israeli authorities shared their own updates on social media, saying the activists on board, including Thunberg, were safe and being transported to Israel.
In a separate post, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated the flotilla’s “sole mission” is “provocation.”
The post read, in part, “Israel, Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have all offered and continue to offer the flotilla a way to peacefully deliver any aid they might have to Gaza. The flotilla refused because they are not interested in aid, but in provocation.”
The foreign ministry noted it informed the flotilla that it was approaching an active combat zone, and offered to transfer aid peacefully through safe channels to Gaza.
The flotilla’s trip so far
The GSF set sail from Barcelona in August, carrying food and supplies for Gaza. Organizers called it a humanitarian mission to break Israel’s naval blockade and provide relief for the famine.
But the voyage has become dangerous, with reports of at least a dozen drone strikes and damaged vessels in the Mediterranean.
Back in September, GSF organizers reported explosions on several boats following a drone attack near the Greek island of Crete.
GSF blamed Israel for the attack, but the Israeli foreign ministry did not respond directly to the accusation. However, Israel called the flotilla a provocation.
Following the drone attacks, both Italy and Spain sent naval ships in an effort to protect the flotilla as it continued on its journey. Some foreign officials even warned the flotilla to use proper channels when nearing Gaza.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni previously urged activists to provide their help through official channels, calling the mission dangerous and irresponsible.
Italy’s defense minister echoed similar sentiments, saying activists should accept an Italian proposal to hand aid supplies over and allow them to be distributed in Gaza by a local Catholic church.
On-shore protests
Following the confrontation with Israeli officials, pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in Rome, blocking traffic.
Thousands more demonstrated in Naples to show support, blocking the tracks at the city’s central station.
