Israeli authorities seize Global Sumud flotilla vessels off Gaza coast

Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Boats in International Waters

A group of aid boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, approximately 1,000km from the Gaza Strip. According to reports, around a dozen vessels were seized.

The incident occurred in an area where no territorial claims are made by any country, and the boats were en route to Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla is a humanitarian initiative aimed at providing aid to the Gaza Strip.

Israeli authorities have confirmed that they intercepted the boats, but details regarding the circumstances of the seizure remain unclear. The Israeli military has not provided an official statement on the matter.

The organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla have described the incident as an “illegal attack” on civilians in international waters. They claim that the vessels were exercising their right to navigate through international waters and that the interception was unjustified.

The seized boats are currently being held by Israeli authorities, pending further investigation. The status of the passengers and crew members on board is also unknown at this time.

Source: Al Jazeera