Israeli forces have intercepted and detained the crews of at least 22 boats near the Greek island of Crete. The vessels are part of a flotilla trying to break Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip in order to deliver humanitarian aid.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of around 58 boats carrying people from 70 countries, left Italy on Sunday.
In a press release, flotilla organizers said: “Israel’s actions … mark a dangerous and unprecedented escalation, the abduction of civilians in the middle of the Mediterranean, over 600 miles from Gaza, in full view of the world.”
Israel’s foreign ministry said the IDF had taken control of more than 20 boats with about 175 activists on board. According to a live tracker on the flotilla’s website, 22 boats have been intercepted so far, while 36 are still sailing.
In footage released by the flotilla organizers, an Israeli navy officer can be heard telling the activists to change course. The officer said: “If you wish to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, you may do so through established and recognized channels. Please change course and return to the port of origin. If you are carrying humanitarian aid, you are invited to proceed to the port of Ashdod.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla responded in a statement on social media: “Same script, different year. The Israeli navy thinks a radio warning can drown out the cries for justice.”
The flotilla described the interception as a “violent raid in international waters.” In a social media post, the group said that “after smashing engines and destroying navigation arrays, the military retreated – intentionally leaving hundreds of civilians stranded on powerless, broken vessels directly in the path of a massive approaching storm.”
It also said the vessels’ communications had been jammed, preventing them from signaling for help. When asked by Agence France-Presse about these claims, the Israeli military declined to comment.
Helene Coron, a spokesperson for Global Sumud France, told an online news conference that the operation had taken place at an “unprecedented” distance from Israel, and that those intercepted included Paris Communist municipal councillor Raphaelle Primet and another 10 French nationals.
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, said on Wednesday he had imposed sanctions on the flotilla, which he claimed had been “organized by the Hamas terror organization, in cooperation with additional international organizations.”
Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the interception in international waters as “an act of piracy.” It said: “By targeting the Global Sumud Flotilla, whose mission is to draw attention to the humanitarian catastrophe faced by the innocent people of Gaza, Israel has also violated humanitarian principles and international law.”
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, said: “How on earth is it possible that Israel is allowed to assault and seize vessels in international waters just off Greece/Europe?”
Italy called for the immediate release of Italian nationals on board the flotilla. The government said it “condemns the seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels … and calls on Israel to immediately release all the unlawfully detained Italians.”
Last October, Israel intercepted about 40 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla, arresting more than 450 activists, including Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan.
Swedish officials said Thunberg had been held in harsh conditions, and witnesses said she was forced to wear an Israeli flag while IDF members took pictures of her. Israel later deported those detained.
The Gaza Strip, governed by Hamas, has been under an Israeli blockade – described by the UN as “a direct contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law” – since 2007. The war in Gaza was triggered by the Palestinian movement’s attack on Israel.This caused serious shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs regarding the interception of a Gaza aid flotilla near Crete written in a natural conversational tone with clear direct answers
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What exactly happened with the aid flotilla near Crete
Israels navy intercepted a small group of boats that were trying to break the maritime blockade of Gaza The interception happened in international waters near the Greek island of Crete The crews were detained and taken to Israel
2 Why was the flotilla heading to Gaza
The activists on board said they were carrying humanitarian aid to deliver directly to the people of Gaza They oppose the IsraeliEgyptian blockade which they say is illegal and causes suffering
3 Is it legal for Israel to stop boats in international waters
Israel argues it has the right to enforce a naval blockade for security reasons This is a highly contested point of international law Many countries and human rights groups say intercepting ships in international waters is illegal
4 What happened to the people on the boats
The crews were detained by Israeli forces In most cases they were taken to an Israeli port processed and then deported back to their home countries within a few days
5 Is this the first time something like this has happened
No This is part of a longrunning pattern The most famous incident was the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid where Israeli commandos killed several activists Smaller flotillas have been intercepted several times since then
Advanced DetailOriented Questions
6 What is the naval blockade of Gaza and why does Israel enforce it
The blockade is a restriction on ships entering and leaving the Gaza Strip Israel says it is necessary to prevent weapons and military supplies from reaching Hamas the militant group that controls Gaza Egypt also enforces a blockade on its border with Gaza
7 What was the specific name of this flotilla and who organized it
The flotilla was often organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition a group of proPalestinian activists from different countries Specific boats have names like the Marianne of Gothenburg or the Al Awda
