Israeli Navy Seizes Gaza-Bound Global Sumud Flotilla as International Anger and Protests Escalate
The Global Sumud Flotilla sailed out of Spain last month with 45 ships carrying politicians and activists. It includes Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. They started with the goal of lifting Israel's blockade of the famine-stricken Palestinian area.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) October 2: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is among the activists imprisoned after the Israeli Navy seized multiple relief vessels headed for Gaza. On Thursday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced that ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla had been "safely stopped". It also added that the passengers had been taken to an Israeli port, where they would likely be deported.
The Global Sumud Flotilla consists of over 45 ships and 500 lawmakers, attorneys, and activists. They had sailed from Spain last month with the intention of lifting Israel's siege of Gaza. It is a war-torn region that the UN claims is experiencing hunger.
Israel Cites Security Threats and Hamas Links to Justify Seizure
Israel's foreign ministry reported that the navy had warned the flotilla that it was entering an area of active conflict and breaching a "lawful naval blockade". They requested that the organizers change their plans. According to the foreign ministry, it volunteered to send the aid to Hamas.
The Ministry posted, “Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health," on social media platform X.
The Israeli Ministry also associated Hamas with the flotilla. It claimed that records discovered in Gaza showed ties between the flotilla's organizers and the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians (PCPA). It is Hamas's international branch. According to reports, one paper contained an endorsement letter from Ismail Haniyeh. He is the head of Hamas.
Flotilla Vows to Continue Mission Despite 13 Boats Captured
Despite the disruptions, the flotilla reported that the majority of its ships were still traveling as of early Thursday morning. They are approaching the Gaza Strip's coast.
According to flotilla spokeswoman Saif Abukeshek, Israeli soldiers had seized 13 boats that were carrying almost 200 people. Many of the activists were from Italy and Spain. However, he stated that "our mission is going on" in an Instagram video.
Global Backlash and Diplomatic Protests Erupt Across Multiple Nations
Protests were held in Italy and Colombia when Israel intercepted the convoy. Italian unions are in support of the international relief flotilla. They called for a general strike on Friday.
Malaysia acknowledged the detention of eight of its citizens. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says that Israel has "utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world".
Italy and France adopted a more careful stance. Antonio Tajani of Italy emphasized that "the matter should end without damage". Jean-Noel Barrot of France asked Israel to protect captives.
The foreign ministry of Turkey referred to Israel's "attack" on the flotilla as "an act of terror". It has put the lives of civilians in danger. The detention of two Colombians in the flotilla led Colombian President Gustavo Petro to call for the expulsion of Israel's entire diplomatic delegation on Wednesday.
