Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla Carrying Activists, Including Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s Grandson
Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla Carrying Activists, Including Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s Grandson
The Israeli navy has commenced interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, carrying prominent activists such as Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, as it approached the besieged Palestinian territory.
Activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of nearly 50 vessels and 500 individuals, reported late Wednesday that Israeli naval forces began engaging their ships. The flotilla, which departed Barcelona a month ago, aims to breach Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, transporting a symbolic quantity of humanitarian aid.
Greg Stoker, an American veteran on one of the boats, recounted approximately a dozen Israeli naval vessels approaching with transponders off. “They are currently hailing our vessels, telling us to turn off our engines and await further instructions or our boats will be seized and we will face the consequences,” he stated in an Instagram video.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the interaction on X, urging the flotilla to alter course due to its proximity to an “active combat zone” and reiterating offers to transfer aid via alternative channels. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani corroborated the intervention, anticipating the operation to last 2-3 hours before the boats are towed to Ashdod port and activists deported, with instructions for Israeli forces to avoid violence.
The flotilla had entered a “danger zone” in international waters north of Egypt, an area where previous attempts to break the blockade have been met by Israeli forces. Overnight, activists reported two Israeli warships aggressively circling and jamming their communications before eventually departing, allowing the flotilla to continue its journey, livestreaming its progress.
Despite calls from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to halt their mission, who labeled it a provocation, and warnings from European governments including Spain and Italy, activists remain resolute. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the mission, highlighting its humanitarian nature and stating that Spanish participants would receive full diplomatic protection. Israel has also accused some flotilla members of Hamas links, a claim strongly refuted by activists.
The legality of such interceptions in international waters remains a point of contention. While international law generally restricts a state’s jurisdiction to 12 nautical miles, armed conflict can be an exception. Experts like Yuval Shany suggest Israel could intercept if its Gaza blockade is militarily justified and the ship intends to break the siege. However, Omer Shatz, an international law expert, argues that even with a lawful siege, international law mandates a humanitarian corridor to Gaza, allowing for aid provision subject to verification of cargo.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.