The Israeli Navi has begun intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla while the activists on board calling it against the international law.
“Despite the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, ships are not stopping to Israeli threats. The Journey to Gaza continues in the dead of the night,” the activists posted on X.
According to the latest reports, the Israeli forces have taken over several flotilla boats carrying aid for people of Gaza. Meanwhile, live footage from the ships has gone dark.
There are reports of protests in parts of Italy against Israeli forces interception. Activists from US and UK Labour Party leaders have condemned Israel’s action to stop the Flotilla.
Earlier:
The Global Sumud Flotilla is inching closer to Gaza, according to media reports, fuelling tensions and scrutiny of Israel.
Individuals including doctors, activists, and lawyers from different countries launched the Flotilla in June. The latest reports said the aid vessels are some 200 km away from Gaza and traveling through a high-tension zone in the Mediterranean. As the boats near Gaza, they also made live video available.
Former Senator and Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan leader Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is also travelling with the Flotilla. Senator Mushtaq shared his latest video from the Flotilla on X about 19 hours ago, in which he claimed that Israeli jets were visible. Some activists say Israeli jets have tried to intercept them.
Turkey’s drones and Spain and Italy’s ships are also accompanying the aid group, primarily for security purposes. However, latest reports say Italy has announced that it is withdrawing the ship. Israel has welcomed the announcement by Italy.
Israeli Foreign Minister:
The statement reads: “Greece and Italy are closely monitoring developments in the Global Sumud Flotilla and call on the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and security of the participants and to allow for all consular protection measures. We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic and the Italian Republic, appeal to the women and men of the Flotilla to accept the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s offer to safely deliver aid intended in solidarity with the children, women, and men of Gaza.
Thanks to the diplomatic initiative of US President Donald J. Trump, for the first time there is a concrete possibility of ending this brutal conflict and the suffering of the Palestinian population, including through full humanitarian access. Greece and Italy reaffirm the need to guarantee humanitarian access to Gaza and reach a ceasefire as soon as possible. At this delicate juncture, everyone must refrain from initiatives that could be exploited by those who still reject peace.”
