Pro-Palestinian activists say Israeli forces have intercepted a flotilla of more than 50 boats carrying aid for Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) said its fleet was boarded in what it called 'another illegal, high-seas aggression' about 250 nautical miles (460km) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli maritime blockade. Its video stream showed commandos climbing onto several boats.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the raid was 'effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza.' Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete. In that incident, 181 activists on board were detained, with most released the next day after international outcry.
The flotilla subsequently sailed to the Turkish port of Marmaris, where 54 boats set out towards Gaza. More than 460 activists from 45 countries were part of this mission.
Around 10:30 AM Cyprus time (07:30 GMT) Monday, live video streamed on GSF's website showed commandos boarding a sailboat as passengers raised their hands in surrender. The GSF's organizers demanded safe passage for their 'legal, non-violent humanitarian mission' and called for global governmental action to halt what they termed 'illegal acts or piracy meant to maintain Israel's genocidal siege on Gaza.'
The Israeli foreign ministry claimed the GSF was serving Hamas to distract from its refusal to disarm, asserting its blockade of Gaza is lawful. The GSF maintains they were carrying essential supplies, including food and medical aid, to a region facing dire humanitarian conditions. Despite the blockade, Israel's foreign ministry claimed Gaza has received significant aid, while UN reports indicate many displaced families endure harsh living conditions with inadequate access to basic necessities.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the raid was 'effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza.' Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete. In that incident, 181 activists on board were detained, with most released the next day after international outcry.
The flotilla subsequently sailed to the Turkish port of Marmaris, where 54 boats set out towards Gaza. More than 460 activists from 45 countries were part of this mission.
Around 10:30 AM Cyprus time (07:30 GMT) Monday, live video streamed on GSF's website showed commandos boarding a sailboat as passengers raised their hands in surrender. The GSF's organizers demanded safe passage for their 'legal, non-violent humanitarian mission' and called for global governmental action to halt what they termed 'illegal acts or piracy meant to maintain Israel's genocidal siege on Gaza.'
The Israeli foreign ministry claimed the GSF was serving Hamas to distract from its refusal to disarm, asserting its blockade of Gaza is lawful. The GSF maintains they were carrying essential supplies, including food and medical aid, to a region facing dire humanitarian conditions. Despite the blockade, Israel's foreign ministry claimed Gaza has received significant aid, while UN reports indicate many displaced families endure harsh living conditions with inadequate access to basic necessities.
