Israel intercepts new flotilla of activists heading to Gaza

According to information from the EFE agency, they are being transferred to Israel after the boats were intercepted in international waters near the coast of Greece, around 1,200 kilometers from the Palestinian enclave.

The Times of Israel newspaper reported that the Israeli Navy intercepted 21 of the flotilla’s 58 vessels.

According to the newspaper, an officer from the Israeli forces instructed the activists to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in another location, claiming that there is a naval blockade in the region of the Palestinian enclave.

“If you wish to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, you can do so through established and recognized channels. Please change course and return to your port of origin. If you are transporting humanitarian aid, we request that you proceed to the port of Ashdod,” the official said.

However, some of the activists continued towards Gaza and the boats were intercepted. According to the Israeli Navy, if other vessels continue towards the enclave, they will also be stopped.

According to the Times of Israel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a video in which it claimed that there were “condoms and drugs” on one of the intercepted vessels. Flotilla spokesman Gur Tsabar denied the accusation, calling it “misinformation.”

In a statement, the Sumud Global Flotilla said that “after damaging engines and destroying navigation systems, the military retreated — intentionally leaving hundreds of civilians marooned on unpowered and damaged vessels, directly in the path of a massive approaching storm.”

“In addition, communications with several vessels were blocked, interrupting their ability to coordinate or call for help,” they charged.

In October last year, Israel intercepted boats from the first Sumud Global Flotilla, which were heading to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid.

The Israeli government said the initiative had only political objectives, as before the approach activists had rejected proposals to deliver supplies to Cyprus and the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The most famous name among the participants of the first flotilla was the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who in June had already tried to dock with a boat with humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip along with other protesters, but was prevented by Israel.