Israeli Navy Prepares to Intercept Sumud Flotilla Heading to Gaza
Israeli naval forces are set to intercept the Sumud Flotilla, which is currently approximately 130 nautical miles from Gaza, as it carries humanitarian aid. The interception is anticipated to unfold soon after 3:43 a.m. local time, reports 24brussels.
Spanish activist Néstor Prieto disclosed that “emergency interception protocols have been activated on all vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla.” Reports indicate that the Israeli navy may deploy elite military units for a detailed, ship-by-ship interception, potentially leading to the detention of nearly 500 activists.
Despite the looming threat, Prieto emphasized that “the situation is tense but calm,” noting that participants are adhering to security protocols rehearsed in recent weeks. He provided additional context, stating that support from military vessels of Spain, Italy, and Turkiye is no longer in effect, leaving the flotilla to operate with 45 ships and 497 people from 46 nationalities.
In a recent update, Yasmin Agar, a member of the Global Flotilla administration, conveyed concerns for the safety of the fleet, suggesting that psychological destabilization tactics may be at play, stating, “We believe our boat will be attacked tonight.”
The humanitarian coalition behind the flotilla has outlined various scenarios in response to Israel’s threats to categorize the activists as terrorists. “We have now entered the high-risk zone, the area where previous flotillas have been attacked and/or intercepted,” the organizers declared, urging participants to remain vigilant.
The Israeli government has previously intercepted humanitarian vessels, citing national security, and the current situation has drawn attention from media and international observers. The organizers assert that the Global Sumud Flotilla’s mission is peaceful and aimed at breaking the maritime blockade imposed by Israel since 2007, while also highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has deteriorated amid escalated military actions since October 2023.