Breaking News: Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Convoy, detains Activists
Israeli forces intercepted vessels belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) as they sailed towards Gaza, the FFC reported Wednesday.The coalition alleges its convoy was attacked,with the vessel The Conscience – carrying 93 journalists,doctors,and activists – targeted before three smaller boats were intercepted. Passengers are currently “being held in unkown conditions,” according to the FFC.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the raid on X, stating it was “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone.” The ministry said the vessels and passengers were being transferred to an israeli port,asserting all passengers are safe and in good health and expected to be deported promptly.
The FFC, an international network of pro-Palestinian groups, stated the boats carried more than $110,000 worth of vital aid, including medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies, intended for gaza’s hospitals.”The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters,” the organization said on Instagram. “Our flotilla poses no harm.”
This incident follows a similar interception earlier this month, where Israel detained over 450 activists and approximately 40 vessels participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, also attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Most of those activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, have since been deported.
Activists from the Global sumud Flotilla have alleged mistreatment during detention. Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament, claimed she was “beaten” by Israeli police. American activist David Adler described being “stripped”, “zip-tied”, and “blindfolded” and being forced to pose for a photograph with Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim strongly condemned the israeli action and demanded the release of Malaysian activists involved in the mission. Activists from Ireland,France,and Denmark were also reportedly on board.
The interception occurs against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing naval blockade of Gaza, a policy implemented in 2007 following Hamas‘s takeover of the territory.Israel maintains the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching hamas, while critics argue it constitutes collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with limited access to essential supplies and ongoing conflict.
