Israel Stops 41 Aid Boats Heading to Gaza in the Mediterranean
The Gaza aid flotilla reports that Israeli forces have intercepted 41 vessels in the Mediterranean, while 10 vessels continue to make their way toward the enclave.
The organizers of an aid flotilla en route to Gaza on Tuesday reported that Israeli forces had intercepted 41 of their vessels in the eastern Mediterranean, leaving just 10 boats still making their way toward the besieged enclave.
The organizers stated that the vessel nearest to Gaza, called Sirius, was approximately 145 nautical miles away from the territory at the time of the announcement. The flotilla, organized under the banner of the Global Sumud Flotilla, departed from southern Turkey on Thursday in what organizers characterized as their third attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The convoy consisted of 54 vessels, carrying 426 participants from 39 different countries, according to the group. Previous efforts by the coalition to approach Gaza were allegedly thwarted by Israeli forces in international waters, prompting worries among activists and humanitarian organizations regarding access to the Palestinian territory.
Israel, nonetheless, upheld its stance regarding the flotilla’s mission. On Monday, the foreign ministry of the country stated that it “will not permit any violation of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza” and called on all parties involved in what it termed a “provocation” to promptly retreat.
In response to the recent events, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan denounced the interception of the vessels, referring to those on board as “voyagers of hope.”
During a speech in Ankara on Monday night, the Turkish president urged the international community to respond to Israel’s actions in the Mediterranean.
