Israeli naval units have seized control of a humanitarian convoy en route to Gaza, halting its effort to circumvent the longstanding naval blockade imposed on the beleaguered enclave amid ongoing conflict.
The action, disclosed simultaneously by the convoy organizers and Israel’s foreign ministry, marks the latest clash in repeated attempts to deliver relief supplies to the Palestinian coastal strip, where United Nations assessments indicate widespread hunger.
Organized under the banner of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the initiative comprised approximately 45 ships transporting a mix of lawmakers, advocates, and humanitarian cargo. Among the passengers was prominent Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg. The group set sail from Spain several weeks ago, determined to challenge the restrictions that have isolated Gaza since the escalation of hostilities.
In a statement released late Wednesday, the flotilla reported that Israeli forces unlawfully boarded multiple vessels—including the Alma, Sirius, and Adara—in international waters at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time. Contact with several other boats has since been severed, according to the group, which decried the move as an infringement on maritime freedoms.
Israel’s foreign ministry, posting on X, formerly Twitter, affirmed that the intercepted ships had been secured without incident, with all aboard—including Thunberg—reported as unharmed and in good condition. A accompanying video showed the activist gathering her possessions amid the operation.
Prior to the boarding, Israeli naval commands had issued directives for the flotilla to steer clear of the restricted maritime zone off Gaza’s shores. Accompanying escorts from Spain and Italy, which had shadowed the vessels, echoed these calls, positioning themselves at the boundary of Israel’s 150-nautical-mile exclusion area and broadcasting pleas for the convoy to abort its approach.
The flotilla’s path had already encountered turbulence: During a layover in Tunisia lasting 10 days, participants alleged two drone strikes targeting their fleet. Undeterred, they pressed onward from September 15, documenting close-quarters harassment by Israeli warships, including aggressive circling of the lead vessel Alma and similar tactics against the Sirius.
Earlier dispatches from the group on X expressed resolve in the face of what they termed Israeli “intimidation” maneuvers, noting the historical precedent of prior flotillas being repelled or assaulted in the same vicinity. At mid-afternoon UTC on the day of interception, the convoy was positioned less than 90 nautical miles from Gaza, with members vowing to continue despite the risks.
Notable figures aboard included Mandla Mandela, grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, and Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian lawmaker in the European Parliament.
International responses poured in swiftly. Turkey’s foreign minister branded the boarding a “terrorist act” and a flagrant breach of global norms, endangering noncombatants. South Africa implored all sides to exercise maximum restraint to safeguard unarmed travelers, emphasizing the welfare of its nationals on board.
In a collaborative appeal, Italy and Greece pressed Israeli officials to ensure the convoy participants’ protection while advising the activists against provocative steps that might undermine peace efforts. Spain’s Digital Transformation Minister Oscar Lopez reiterated Madrid’s stance against entering the exclusion zone, clarifying that the Spanish escort would not breach it. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the mission as posing no peril to Israel and expressed hope that Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration would reciprocate by avoiding aggression.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking before a European Council session, urged an immediate cessation of the voyage, warning that it risked complicating diplomatic overtures, including those involving U.S. President Donald Trump.
Israel has thwarted analogous aid missions in June and July, underscoring the persistent friction over access to Gaza.
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