The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Thursday afternoon, April 30, that 175 activists, part of an aid flotilla consisting of over 20 vessels, are being transported to Israel “safely” following their interception en route to the occupied Gaza Strip. The announcement follows the release of footage by the “Global Sumud Flotilla” showing passengers on one of the boats with their hands raised as Israeli soldiers boarded the vessel.
Solidarity activists raise their hands tonight as Israeli naval forces raid the Gaza (Footage: Global Sumud Flotilla)
Flotilla organizers condemned the operation, stating that the seizure of the aid ships reflects an expansion of the “policy of impunity” enjoyed by Israel. According to the initiative, the interception occurred in international waters near the island of Crete, hundreds of kilometers from the Gaza coast.” “This is an act of piracy and illegal detention on the high seas,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement. “The incident demonstrates that occupation forces can operate with total impunity, far beyond their borders, and without facing any consequences.”
Broadcasts from the flotilla were cut off by Israeli soldiers, but before communications were severed, activists reported: “They approached our boats, aiming lasers and semi-automatic weapons at us”. Shortly thereafter, naval personnel took control of the vessels near Crete. Prior to the takeover, activists were warned to retreat, and those who did not comply were detained.
The armed raid took place in international waters, approximately 45 nautical miles west of Crete, reportedly in coordination with the Greek government. As of Thursday afternoon, the fate of vessels belonging to the international environmental organization Greenpeace including the Arctic Sunrise and the Spanish-Catalan humanitarian group Open Arms—which specializes in rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean—remained unclear. Both organizations are key partners in the mission.
The protest flotilla began its journey last Sunday from the port of Syracuse in Sicily, southern Italy. The mission includes 64 vessels adorned with banners reading: “At sea as on land, we will be a flotilla against your war”. The Global Sumud Flotilla was established with the goal of breaking the blockade on the Gaza Strip, delivering aid to its residents, and raising global awareness of the catastrophic humanitarian situation under Israeli occupation.
