The Israeli military thwarted an attempt by a nine-boat flotilla to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea early Wednesday. Scores of activists, including six Canadians, were detained by Israeli authorities, according to both the flotilla organizers and the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
The activists, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza, are reported to be in good health and are being processed in Israel before deportation. Global Affairs Canada confirmed the detention of six Canadians and stated that they are in contact with Israeli officials, urging for their safety and swift release.
Last week, a separate flotilla carrying nearly 450 activists, including European lawmakers and climate activist Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israel while attempting to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza. While most activists were deported, six individuals from Norway, Morocco, and Spain remain detained in Israel.
The latest flotilla, which aimed to deliver food and medical aid to Gaza hospitals, included doctors, European parliament members, and national lawmakers from Turkey, Denmark, France, and Belgium. The fleet, intercepted about 220 kilometers off the Gaza coast, was live-streamed as Israeli troops boarded the vessels, with no reported injuries.
Turkey strongly condemned Israel’s actions as “piracy,” calling it a violation of international law and accusing Israel of escalating tensions. The interception of the flotilla has sparked condemnation and protests globally, with demands for the release of detained activists.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Egypt, involving international delegations. The conflict, triggered by a Hamas-led attack in 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, with ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and prisoners.
Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, citing security concerns, while critics view it as collective punishment. Flotilla activists aim to challenge the blockade and establish a humanitarian sea corridor to address the limited aid reaching Gaza by land.
