A humanitarian flotilla headed for Gaza was stopped by Israeli forces, following recent detentions of individuals on ships attempting to reach the conflict-stricken region, which had sparked widespread concern and demonstrations.
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Israeli forces disrupted communications as they boarded at least two vessels.
“International waters are beyond the legal authority of the Israeli military,” the group stated. “Our mission is entirely peaceful.”
Organizers reported on X that three ships—Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar, and Anas Al-Sharif—were forcibly stopped by Israeli forces early in the morning, approximately 220 kilometers from Gaza’s coast.
They added that another vessel, the Conscience, was also targeted.
Israeli officials acknowledged stopping the boats trying to reach Gaza and stated that those aboard would be moved to an Israeli port for deportation.
“This was another unsuccessful effort to violate the established maritime restrictions and enter an active conflict zone,” the foreign ministry said in an online statement.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is a collective of international groups organizing civilian maritime efforts to transport essential supplies to Gaza amid ongoing restrictions.
The coalition stated that the ships carried medical supplies, respiratory equipment, and food resources valued at over $110,000 for Gaza’s struggling hospitals.
This marks the second such incident in recent days. Earlier, Israeli forces halted around 40 boats and detained more than 450 people from another aid mission, the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was also trying to deliver supplies to the region.
Some of those detained—including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg—accused Israeli forces of harsh treatment during their detention.
The detentions prompted large protests across Europe.
With Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
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