Israel intercepts Gaza flotilla near Crete and detains 175…
Pro-Palestinian activists say at least 22 boats from a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza have been intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near the Greek island of Crete. They said those on board the vessels had been seized unlawfully 965km (600 miles) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli naval blockade.
The Israeli foreign ministry said about 175 activists from more than 20 boats had been detained and were being transported to Israel. On Thursday, the GSF said that, as of 04:30 GMT, at least 22 of them had been "stormed by Israeli forces in complete violation of international law".
An earlier statement said Israeli naval forces had "intercepted vessels, jammed communications, including distress channels, and aggressively abducted civilians". The Israeli foreign ministry also posted a video that it said showed the detained activists "making their way peacefully to Israel" aboard Israeli vessels.
On Wednesday, the Israeli foreign ministry said the flotilla was "nothing but a PR stunt: a provocation without humanitarian aid". The Israeli military stopped the previous flotilla set up by the GSF from reaching Gaza last October, arresting and then deporting more than 470 people who were on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Analysis: Why This Matters
Geopolitical moves around Global Sumud rarely stay local — expect knock-on effects on policy and markets.
Key Takeaways
- The flotilla set sail two weeks ago, with a total of 58 vessels joining from Spain, France and Italy aiming to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.
- On Thursday, the GSF said that, as of 04:30 GMT, at least 22 of them had been "stormed by Israeli forces in complete violation of international law".
- Pro-Palestinian activists say at least 22 boats from a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza have been intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near the Greek island of Crete.
Expect more international reaction in the coming hours; this story is far from settled.
Source: BBC World