Israel has intercepted nearly all the vessels in the Global Samod Flotilla, a convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, organisers said.
The Global Samod Flotilla, which set sail from Spain on August 31, is the largest maritime mission to Gaza to date. It brings together more than 50 ships and delegations from at least 44 countries, as part of an international effort to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and deliver aid to Gaza.
Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek said more than 200 people from 44 countries were taking part, including 30 from Spain, 22 from Italy, 24 from America, 21 from Turkiye and 12 from Malaysia.
They are international volunteers, activists and lawmakers. Among them are including several military veterans, according to the organisers.
The flotilla’s voyage has drawn global attention, and the detention of activists has triggered protests in cities including Rome, Buenos Aires and Istanbul. Those held included climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.
The Israeli navy confirmed that all but one ship, the Marinette, sailing under the Polish flag with six passengers, had been stopped. Officials said the vessel “remains at a distance”.
Organisers reported that naval forces boarded several boats about 70 nautical miles (130 km) off Gaza’s coast, cutting communications and jamming signals as the flotilla neared the enclave. At least 13 vessels were seized on Wednesday, and by Thursday at noon (09:00 GMT), Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said every boat except the Marinette had been intercepted.
On Wednesday, activists described tense encounters with unlit boats and drones shadowing the convoy. The group also said Israeli naval vessels deliberately damaged ship communications to block distress signals and disrupt livestreams of the boarding.
While the flotilla carried only a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, organisers said their mission was to establish a maritime corridor into Gaza, where nearly two years of war have left the population facing an acute humanitarian crisis.