Israeli Forces Intercept New Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla

Photo: Collected

Israeli forces on Wednesday intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, days after blocking another maritime convoy attempting to breach the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory.

The Global Sumud Flotilla reported that three of its vessels were “attacked and illegally intercepted” by Israeli forces early in the morning, about 220 kilometres off the Gaza coast. All nine vessels, including the ship Conscience carrying over 90 journalists, doctors, and activists, were ultimately stopped.

Israel has repeatedly blocked international aid flotillas in recent months, while the UN warns of famine in Gaza following two years of devastating conflict. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the interception, saying the vessels and passengers were transferred to an Israeli port and would be deported promptly.

The pro-Palestinian group Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the ships carried aid worth over $110,000, including medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies for Gaza’s hospitals. Turkey condemned the interception as an “act of piracy,” highlighting that Turkish citizens and parliament members were among those detained.

Belgian rapper Youssef Swatt was also detained aboard one of the vessels. Last week, Israeli forces blocked a 45-ship flotilla carrying activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, which sparked mass protests across Europe.

Hamas condemned Wednesday’s interception as “piracy and maritime terrorism,” while Israel labelled the flotilla an offshoot of Hamas and stated the vessels violated a prohibited zone, claiming little humanitarian aid was on board.

The conflict has left at least 67,183 people dead in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, with over half of the casualties being women and children.