Israeli naval forces intercept one of the Global Sumud Flotilla Boats carrying activists and aid to Gaza [Image by Al Jazeera]
(The Post News) – Israeli soldiers have boarded almost the entire Global Sumud Flotilla, a solidarity fleet of boats trying to bring aid to Gaza, arresting more than 450 foreign activists. The move has triggered huge protests, a diplomatic row, and global outrage.
The flotilla departed with 44 ships carrying food and medicines for civilians blockaded in Gaza. More than 500 activists, lawmakers, attorneys, and human rights officials had been part of the mission.
Israeli naval vessels intercepted the boats approximately 75 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast. Troops used water cannons, night vision gear, and electronic jamming to stop the fleet, according to organizers. Video taken aboard showed activists waving passports and asserting that they were kidnapped to Israel against their will.
Israel later confirmed 461 activists were detained and taken to Ashdod port. Four Italian citizens were deported first, and the others are to follow in the coming days.
Greta Thunberg Among Detained
Some of the well-known personalities on board include Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.
Video from Israel showed Thunberg surrounded by soldiers with guns on her vessel. A video message from Thunberg, pre-recorded, was released after she was arrested:
“If you’re seeing this video, I have been kidnapped and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our mission was a peaceful humanitarian one and within international law.”
For a brief period, one vessel, the Polish-registered Marinette, continued sailing towards Gaza after the main interceptions. A live stream recorded the crew steering the ship at dawn on Thursday, about 80 kilometres from Gaza.
By Friday morning, Israeli naval forces had also taken control of the Marinette, ending the mission officially.
The raid elicited immediate global criticism: Turkey branded the operation “an act of terror.” Spain urged Israel to respect the rights of detainees. Ireland labelled the flotilla as “a peaceful mission to highlight Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe.” Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled all Israeli diplomats, calling the raid “a new international crime.” He also declared Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel cancelled. Brazil called for Israel to lift its blockade around Gaza, and Mexico called on Israel to secure its citizens on board. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticized the act, stating, “These boats were carrying unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian aid, but they were greeted with intimidation and coercion.”
The capture of the flotilla set off protests in cities across the globe.
In Italy, there was a nationwide strike called by unions. Tens of thousands took to the streets waving Palestinian and union flags. Train services were suspended, and airports experienced delays. And, demonstrations erupted in Berlin, Brussels, Athens, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Karachi, where protesters demanded an end to the blockade of Gaza.
Maurizio Landini, leader of Italy’s largest union CGIL, addressed demonstrators:
“We are here to defend brotherhood among peoples, to say no to genocide, and to put humanity at the centre of politics.”
Specialists in international law have also issued their condemnation of the actions of Israel. The general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, Stephen Cotton, said:
“Attacking or boarding peaceful, humanitarian ships in international waters is illegal under international law. It is not up to states to decide when they will enforce international law. The seas must not become a war zone.”.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, called the raid an “illegal abduction” and warned against further violations of international law.
Israel Defends Its Actions
Israel insists the naval blockade is lawful and is required to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. Its foreign ministry said activists were repeatedly warned and were invited to bring aid through official channels for humanitarian use.
“Israel will not allow breaches of its blockade,” the ministry stated, terming the flotilla “a political stunt.”
Although dispersed, the flotilla has already sent waves of controversy around the globe. Organizers indicate hunger strikes have begun by detained activists in protest of being held.
Among the organizers who stayed behind, one said, “Our message is clear: the world has not forgotten Gaza. We will continue.”
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