Israeli Troops Detain Activists from Hamas-Sumud Flotilla Attempting to Break Gaza Blockade
Israeli naval forces intercepted several boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla on Friday night as they attempted to break the maritime blockade of Gaza. Out of a convoy of 47 ships, Israeli troops raided only six vessels and detained more than 150 activists onboard, hailing from 37 different countries, according to Al Jazeera.
The Israel Ministry posted a video announcing the operation, stating, “Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”
Earlier, Israel’s Foreign Ministry, citing documents recovered by its troops in Gaza, alleged that Hamas was directly involved in the activist flotilla currently trying to breach the blockade. According to The Times of Israel, these documents indicate links between the flotilla’s leaders and Hamas’s foreign arm, the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians (PCPA).
Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek provided a social media update on Wednesday, stating that 13 vessels had been intercepted so far, while around 30 others remained at sea, determined to continue their journey to Gaza. “They are motivated, and they are doing everything within their hand to break this siege by early morning,” he said. He added that more than 200 activists from 37 countries were on board, representing groups from Spain, Italy, Turkiye, and Malaysia.
According to The Times of Israel, Israeli forces had issued several warnings for the flotilla to change course and return before moving in. The flotilla, carrying aid and hundreds of activists from over 30 countries, was sailing through international waters when the interception took place. The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the effort as the “Hamas-Sumud flotilla,” accusing the activists of aiding the militant group.
To halt the boats, the Israeli navy used water cannons, electronic jamming, and boarding parties. The operation quickly drew criticism from various quarters.
Former British diplomat Craig Murray argued on X that Israel’s actions violated international law, noting that the flotilla was in international waters and not within Israel’s territorial jurisdiction. “The possession of vessels and the abduction of crews at sea can be pursued as crimes in domestic jurisdictions,” he wrote.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and Colombian President Gustavo Petro had earlier urged Israel to allow the flotilla to proceed unharmed, according to Al Jazeera.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the operation strongly, calling it “intimidation and coercion” against unarmed civilians. “By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world,” he stated. Anwar Ibrahim also affirmed that Malaysia would use “all legitimate and lawful means” to protect its citizens aboard the flotilla.
Despite the arrests and seizures, flotilla organisers insisted their mission to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the blockade would continue. “The illegal Israeli interceptions won’t deter us,” they said in a statement.
Notably, in June this year, Israel also detained Swedish activist Greta Thunberg along with the crew of another Gaza-bound aid ship, the Madleen.
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