Israeli forces seize Gaza aid flotilla vessels off Crete coast

Israel’s Military Seizes Vessels from Global Sumud Flotilla

A group of over 160 activists on board aid ships forming a flotilla bound for Gaza have been taken to the Greek island of Crete after Israeli forces intercepted their vessels in international waters near Greece earlier this week. According to the Freedom Flotilla’s organisers, 168 members of the crew were transferred to Greek boats and then transported to Crete, where they were met with buses and an ambulance car.

The Israeli military had used drones, communications jamming technology, and armed raiding parties to intercept the vessels on Wednesday as they travelled from Barcelona in Spain. The flotilla’s tracker reported that 22 boats have been intercepted by Israel so far, while 47 others remain at sea.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the activists on the intercepted boats would be taken to Greece. On Friday, an Israeli army ship transferred the 168 crew members to Greek boats, which then took them to Crete.

The remaining 47 vessels are still sailing off southern Crete and plan to anchor there before continuing their journey to Gaza. Each ship is carrying approximately a tonne of food, medical supplies, and other equipment.

Organisers of the flotilla have condemned Israel’s actions as “illegal under international law”. The Turkish government has described the interception as an “act of piracy”, while Spain has called it “illegal”. Germany and Italy have expressed concern over the situation and are calling for the release of detainees.

Source: Al Jazeera