Pro-Palestinian activists say Israeli forces have intercepted a flotilla of more than 50 boats carrying aid for Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) said its fleet was boarded in what it called 'another illegal, high-seas aggression' about 250 nautical miles from Gaza, which is under an Israeli maritime blockade. Its video stream showed commandos climbing onto several boats.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the raid was 'effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza'. Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete. In that incident, 181 activists on board were detained, with two individuals being deported after spending time in custody.
During this new operation, live broadcasts showed commandos boarding a boat as passengers raised their hands, demanding safe passage for their humanitarian mission. The flotilla organizers termed the interception an act of piracy, urging international governments to intervene against such actions.
The flotilla aims to deliver food, baby formula, and medical aid to Palestine amid dire living conditions, despite Israel asserting that Gaza receives sufficient aid. The ongoing blockade, characterized as a humanitarian crisis by various international agencies, has prompted continued calls for safe access to the region.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the raid was 'effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza'. Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete. In that incident, 181 activists on board were detained, with two individuals being deported after spending time in custody.
During this new operation, live broadcasts showed commandos boarding a boat as passengers raised their hands, demanding safe passage for their humanitarian mission. The flotilla organizers termed the interception an act of piracy, urging international governments to intervene against such actions.
The flotilla aims to deliver food, baby formula, and medical aid to Palestine amid dire living conditions, despite Israel asserting that Gaza receives sufficient aid. The ongoing blockade, characterized as a humanitarian crisis by various international agencies, has prompted continued calls for safe access to the region.
