Israeli Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla Amid Global Outcry and Concerns

World Leaders Condemn Israeli Interception of Aid Ships

A total of 22 out of 58 aid ships traveling through international waters and bound for Gaza were intercepted by Israel on Wednesday, according to organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla. The vessels set sail from Barcelona on April 12 as part of a second flotilla attempt to break an Israeli blockade by carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

The interception occurred hundreds of miles off Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, and Israel has detained 211 of the 400 activists participating in the flotilla, including a Paris city councillor. The number of detainees was earlier reported by Israel’s Foreign Ministry as 175.

Reactions from world leaders have been swift and condemnatory. Italy has called for the immediate release of its nationals on board the flotilla, stating that it “condemns the seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels” and calls on Israel to release all unlawfully detained Italians. Spain’s Foreign Ministry has also condemned the interception, saying it “energetically condemns” Israel’s actions.

Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry described the interception as an “act of piracy,” stating that Israel has violated humanitarian principles and international law by targeting the flotilla. The Palestinian group Hamas has also condemned the interception, accusing Israel of committing a crime without accountability and calling for the release of those detained.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has responded to the criticism, labeling the flotilla organizers as “professional provocateurs” and stating that its forces acted in accordance with international law due to the risk of escalation and breach of a lawful blockade.

Source: Al Jazeera