Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla in International Waters

Israel has intercepted humanitarian aid ships bound for the Gaza Strip in international waters off Greece, flotilla organizers said. The second flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona on 12 April, was attempting to break the Israeli blockade.

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla organization, the vessels were seized hundreds of kilometers from Gaza.

The group described the move as piracy and an illegal action on the high seas, accusing Israel of extending its control beyond its own territory.

Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said the flotilla had been stopped before entering an area Israel considers its own. He described the army’s intervention as professional and directed at a group of activists.

A similar flotilla was stopped last October, when the Israeli army detained more than 450 participants, including climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Israel controls access to the Gaza Strip and denies restricting supplies to more than two million residents. However, Palestinian and humanitarian organizations say aid levels remain insufficient even after the October ceasefire, which was intended to increase deliveries.

(reuters, max)