Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla

GAZA STRIP (VINnews)-The Israeli Navy has begun intercepting a large flotilla attempting to break Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, according to activists.

Footage shows a Navy vessel alongside one of the boats, and the Middle East Eye outlet reported that Israeli soldiers boarded the lead boat Alma. Activists on another vessel, Adara, were seen throwing their phones overboard after Israeli troops boarded, according to livestream footage.

Earlier in the evening, the Israeli military had repeatedly warned the activists to change course, including via radio. In a video released by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, a female naval officer was heard telling them:

“You are approaching a blockaded zone. If you wish to deliver aid to Gaza, you may do so through the established channels. Please change your course toward the port of Ashdod, where the aid will undergo a security inspection and then be transferred into the Gaza Strip.”

According to organizers, the 47-boat “Global Sumud Flotilla” is carrying more than 500 activists. Israeli officials say some participants have ties to Hamas.

The Foreign Ministry called the flotilla “a Hamas-Sumud provocation,” adding:

“Israel, Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have all offered and continue to offer the flotilla a way to peacefully deliver any aid they might have to Gaza. The flotilla refused because they are not interested in aid, but in provocation.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirms it “safely stopped” some of the Freedom Flotilla boats and are transferring the crew to an Israeli port, “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”