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Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla announced on Monday that Israeli forces intercepted several vessels from a humanitarian convoy bound for Gaza, while communication was reportedly lost with multiple boats in the eastern Mediterranean.
According to the organisers, 10 vessels were intercepted and contact was lost with 23 others as the flotilla sailed approximately 250 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. The convoy reportedly consisted of 54 boats carrying 426 participants from 39 countries, including Turkish nationals.
The flotilla departed from southern Turkey on Thursday as part of a humanitarian initiative aimed at delivering aid to Gaza, following earlier missions that were also prevented from reaching the territory.
Live footage circulated online appeared to show military vessels approaching the convoy. Organisers stated that Israeli forces boarded several boats during the operation and stressed that the mission was intended to remain peaceful and humanitarian in character.
Earlier, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that it would not permit any attempt to breach the naval blockade imposed on Gaza and called on participating vessels to change course.
The latest incident marks another chapter in a series of maritime aid missions launched by international activists and humanitarian groups seeking to reach Gaza. Previous flotillas departing from Europe in recent months were likewise intercepted before completing their journey.
Humanitarian organisations and several governments, including Turkey, have continued to express concern over conditions inside Gaza, arguing that aid entering the territory remains insufficient in light of ongoing humanitarian challenges and widespread displacement.
Israeli authorities reject accusations of restricting humanitarian supplies and maintain that substantial quantities of aid and medical assistance have entered Gaza in recent months.
Written by N.J.