The last of the 42 vessels participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla has been intercepted, with some now docked at Ashdod Naval Base in Israel as of Thursday, according to BBC Verify reporting. The flotilla’s attempt to reach Gaza has drawn international attention amid heightened tensions in the region and questions regarding humanitarian access.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprised of ships intending to deliver aid to Gaza, began encountering interception efforts earlier this week. MarineTraffic data tracked several vessels, including the Estrella Y Manuel, which deviated from the group’s course Wednesday night, approximately 50 nautical miles from Gaza, and arrived at Ashdod.As of Friday morning, five flotilla vessels – the Estrella Y Manuel, Adara, capten Nikos, Ohwayla, and Seulle – were confirmed to be at the port.
A statement released by the flotilla on Thursday claimed that hundreds of individuals associated with the mission had been transferred to the MSC Johannesburg, a Liberia-flagged container ship located 26 nautical miles from Ashdod at the time. The MSC Johannesburg was later harbored at the north jetty of Ashdod port.
BBC Verify has contacted the israel Defense Forces for details regarding the potential return of the intercepted vessels and the duration of detention for those on board.
In an update at 14:21, MSC, the operator of the Johannesburg, disputed the flotilla’s statement, asserting the vessel is a container ship and not a naval vessel. BBC Verify has reached out to the Global Sumud Flotilla for comment.
