Amid international condemnation, Israeli occupation forces seize 13 vessels of Global Sumud Flotilla
GAZA, Oct. 02 (YPA) -Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said Thursday that Israeli occupation forces intercepted 13 boats carrying foreign activists and aid bound for the Gaza Strip, while 30 boats continued sailing toward the stricken enclave.
A video circulating on social media showed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg sitting on the deck of a boat surrounded by Israeli soldiers.
The flotilla, which is carrying medicine and food to Gaza, consists of more than 40 civilian boats and carries approximately 500 people, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists.
The flotilla posted several videos on Telegram with messages from individuals on board the various boats, some carrying their passports, saying they were kidnapped and taken to Israel against their will. They emphasized that their mission was a non-violent humanitarian one.
The flotilla has garnered international attention, and countries such as Turkey, Spain, and Italy have sent boats or drones to help their citizens participating in the flotilla.
Following the Israeli attack on the flotilla, massive demonstrations erupted in several European capitals and cities, including Rome, Naples, and Milan, Brussels, Paris, Berlin, and Istanbul.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry described the Israeli attack on the flotilla as a “terrorist act” that threatened the lives of innocent civilians.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro ordered the expulsion of the entire Israeli diplomatic delegation on Wednesday after the detention of two Colombian flotilla members.
Petro described the detention of his citizens as a potential “new international crime” perpetrated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanded their release.
For his part, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla, adding that Israeli forces had detained eight Malaysians.
“By obstructing a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown complete contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world,” Anwar said in a statement.
The Israeli occupation forces have imposed a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, and activists have repeatedly attempted to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
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