Israel’s naval forces intercepted an activist flotilla near Cyprus on Monday, thwarting the group’s attempt to challenge the Gaza blockade. Over 50 vessels set sail from Marmaris, Turkey, last week as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s mission to raise awareness about the harsh conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza.
Livestream footage showed activists, including 12 Canadians, on board various vessels putting on life jackets as Israeli troops approached. Israeli forces boarded the ships as the livestream abruptly ended. Many of the ships are currently situated off the coast of Cyprus.
The interception of at least 17 boats occurred outside Cypriot territorial waters. Israeli authorities did not seek assistance from Cyprus during the operation, ensuring the well-being of all individuals aboard the intercepted flotilla boats.
The organizers reported that the boats were intercepted 250 nautical miles from Gaza’s shores. Unlike previous interceptions done under the cover of darkness, this time the Israeli military boarded the boats during daylight.
Israel imposed the blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas took control of the territory. The blockade restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza, with Israel citing security concerns related to Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the soldiers for preventing what he described as a malicious plan to breach the isolation imposed on Hamas in Gaza. Hamas condemned the Israeli attack on the flotilla as an act of piracy and called for international pressure to end the blockade.
At least 11 Canadians out of the 12 participants have been detained by Israeli forces. The detained Canadians were part of different groups within the flotilla and are expected to be taken to the port of Ashdod in southern Israel for processing and potential deportation.
The ongoing situation has drawn criticism from various nations and human rights groups, questioning the legality of enforcing a blockade in international waters. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
Despite claims of sufficient aid entering Gaza, around two million residents still face severe shortages of essential supplies like housing, food, and medicine. The flotilla’s efforts aim to shed light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and put pressure on Israel to lift the blockade.
