Israeli Navy Intercepts Final Vessel of Gaza-bound Flotilla
On Friday, Israeli naval forces intercepted the last vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) destined for Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea, as reported by Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News channel. The Marinette, which faced technical issues that delayed its departure, was the last of a series of ships halted by Israel after the blockade intensified on Thursday, reports 24brussels.
The Marinette was seized by Israel’s elite naval unit, Shayetet 13, which released video footage showing commandos boarding the vessel. The flotilla, comprising dozens of ships and over 400 volunteers from more than 40 countries, aimed to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and deliver essential food and medical aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
Since Wednesday night, Israeli forces have intercepted more than 40 civilian ships and detained 473 crew members, who have been transported to Saharonim prison in the Negev Desert, southern Israel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced plans to deport the detained volunteers back to Europe.
Flotilla organizers confirmed the interception, citing that Israeli forces had “illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels – each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.” The flotilla, which set sail from various international ports starting in August, aimed to establish a humanitarian corridor by sea, challenging the restrictions imposed by Israel, which have been in place since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. These restrictions were further tightened after Hamas’s cross-border attacks into southern Israel in October 2023.
Organizations and international observers continue to monitor the situation, amid ongoing calls for the preservation of humanitarian access for the people of Gaza.
What a sea of red tape! The Israeli navy seems to have turned Saharonim prison into a floating (or rather, detaining) hostel for the flotilla folks. Humanitarian aid apparently requires a slightly detour through the Negev Desert first. I admire the volunteers determination, though maybe next time they could pack a map to the nearest international port that doesnt double as a detention center? On one hand, stopping aid is bad; on the other, imagine the prison workouts – Circuit of the Crew anyone? Lets hope the next humanitarian corridor avoids the internationally illegal interception theme and just delivers the goods without a side trip to the desert spa