Israeli military forces intervene in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea to seize the Global Sumud Fleet, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Global Sumud Fleet/Anadolu via Getty Images
- Israeli authorities were transporting 430 activists aboard the Gaza-bound aid flotilla to Israel.
- Israel dismissed the flotilla as a “PR stunt at the service of Hamas”.
- The US sanctioned four people associated with the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Israeli authorities have said that 430 activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla were en route to Israel after their vessels were intercepted at sea.
Sailing from Turkey last week, the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels are the latest in a string of attempts by activists to breach Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory, with the last convoy intercepted by Israeli forces in April.
“Another PR flotilla has come to an end. All 430 activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels and are making their way to Israel, where they will be able to meet with their consular representatives,” a spokesperson from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said late on Tuesday.
“This flotilla has once again proved to be nothing more than a PR stunt at the service of Hamas,” the spokesperson added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier denounced the flotilla as “a malicious scheme designed to break the blockade we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza”.
READ | Six South Africans captured after Israeli forces intercept Gaza aid flotilla
The US on Tuesday sanctioned four people associated with the Global Sumud Flotilla and accused them of being “pro-terrorist”.
Around 50 ships had departed from southwestern Turkey on Thursday.
A website tracking the flotilla’s location later showed several vessels being intercepted west of Cyprus.
For the 2nd time in 3 weeks, the most moral army has abducted our comrades from international waters.
In protest of their illegal abduction and in solidarity with the over 9500 Palestinian hostages held in israeli dungeons, at least 87 participants committed to a hunger strike.… pic.twitter.com/7rzHJfAZhk
News24 reported on Tuesday that six South Africans were captured during the Israeli operation.
Ambassador Faizel Moosa was confirmed by his family to have been captured.
Qutb Hendricks, Ebrahim Peters, Hajar Kagiso Al-Tha’irah Ahjum Mathee, Mogamed Faeek Ariefdien and Yusuf Rahman were also taken, said Global Sumud Flotilla South Africa spokesperson, Firoza Mayet.
Moosa, a humanitarian ambassador, political activist, and veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle, has decades of experience in leadership, security, and public service.
He is also the son of the late anti-apartheid activist and judge, Essa Moosa.
Nine Indonesian citizens who were part of the flotilla “have all been reported arrested by Israel”, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s foreign ministry said, citing information dated on Wednesday.
Israeli soldiers intercept the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla, as they captured the fleet’s live-streaming account at sea.
Global Sumud Flotilla/Anadolu via Getty Images
Indonesia called on Israel to immediately release all vessels and crew members, adding that “every diplomatic channel and consular measure will continue to be fully utilised”.
Indonesian newspaper Republika earlier said two of its journalists were among the nine Indonesians detained.
Turkey and Spain have condemned the interception.
Organisers said the flotilla also included 15 Irish citizens, including Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly.
Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.
During the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, the territory has suffered severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies, with Israel at times halting aid deliveries entirely.
A previous flotilla attempt was intercepted last month in international waters off Greece, with most activists expelled to Europe.
English (US) · 