Gaza Flotilla Defies Calls to Halt as Israel Prepares Imminent Interception

A large international flotilla attempting to breach the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip has rejected Italy’s urgent appeals to stop, announcing it is now nearing a “critical zone” where it anticipates Israeli intervention. Sources indicate Israel is poised to intercept the vessels and detain hundreds of activists, an operation that could coincide with Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, beginning Wednesday evening.

The 47-boat Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying over 500 activists including prominent Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, parliamentarians, and lawyers, is expected to reach the Gaza Strip this week. The Israeli Navy, which has historically intercepted such flotillas far from Gaza’s coast, has dismissed these efforts as publicity stunts and recently accused some participants of ties to Hamas.

As the flotilla approaches the 150-nautical-mile limit off Gaza’s Mediterranean coast, participants anticipate intervention. An Italian spokeswoman for the flotilla, Maria Elena Delia, shared via Instagram that an Israeli “attack” is likely tonight. While the Sumud flotilla is escorted by Spanish and Italian navy vessels, both governments have clarified their ships will not use military force and Italy’s defense ministry stated its vessels would cease escorting once within 150 nautical miles of the shore.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has called for the flotilla to halt, arguing the aid mission could jeopardize peace efforts based on a US-backed proposal for Gaza’s future. However, organizers have denounced these statements as “sabotage,” vowing to continue their advance, accusing the Italian government of abandoning them at a crucial juncture.

IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed last week that the Navy is ready, despite the increased challenge posed by the large number of vessels. Plans include boarding boats, detaining activists, and transporting them to a large Navy ship before bringing them to Ashdod Port for deportation. Some activist vessels may be towed, while military sources suggest others might be sunk at sea. Hebrew media reports indicate some 600 police officers are involved in processing participants upon arrival at Ashdod Port, with a special tribunal planned for those refusing deportation.

The current situation unfolds against the backdrop of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following the October 7, 2023, conflict. Israel maintains its blockade is vital to prevent Hamas from smuggling arms, while critics condemn it as collective punishment for Gaza’s approximately 2 million Palestinians.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

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.