Israeli Navy Violates International Waters to Seize Gaza-Bound Humanitarian Flotilla
In a renewed operation, the Israeli Navy intercepted and seized several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attempting to break the blockade on Gaza. The interception occurred approximately 120 to 140 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast.
Footage released by activists aboard the flotilla shows Israeli forces using helicopters and fast boats to storm the vessels and detain all passengers.
According to a statement from the al-Sumud organizers, three boats—including the al-Dhamir, which carried journalists and medical personnel—were seized. The fate of the remaining vessels remains unclear. The flotilla consisted of nine boats and over 100 human rights activists from various countries, having departed from an Italian port roughly two weeks ago.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement claiming its naval forces successfully thwarted another attempt to breach the Gaza blockade. The statement added: “All passengers are in good health and will be deported shortly after being transferred to an Israeli port.”
The seizure of the flotilla in international waters is widely viewed as a violation of maritime freedom and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The incident once again highlights the contested legality of Israel’s blockade on Gaza, which, according to multiple UN reports, constitutes part of a broader pattern of violations against Palestinian civilians.
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