Israeli forces intercept the remaining activist flotilla vessels headed for Gaza

Israeli forces intercepted all remaining vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla on Tuesday, boarding them in international waters around 167 miles from Gaza’s coastline. The flotilla, which departed from Turkey last week, carried symbolic aid and activists aiming to challenge Israel’s naval blockade. Armed soldiers destroyed cameras on the vessels and detained 428 activists from over 40 nations, including Irish nationals such as the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israel’s use of force, citing reports of rubber bullets being fired at vessels. Flotilla organizers claimed Israeli soldiers damaged five boats during the interdictions, which began near Cyprus. The activists remain detained with no contact to lawyers or consular support, raising concerns over their safety and treatment. The Israeli navy had already stopped 41 boats from the flotilla on Monday in international waters. Israel dismissed the flotilla as a ‘provocation’ with no real intent to deliver aid, stating that around 600 trucks enter Gaza daily with humanitarian supplies. However, the U.N. World Food Program reported a sharp decline in aid deliveries in March, with only 112 trucks entering on average. Turkey, Hamas, Italy, Spain, and Indonesia condemned the interdictions as ‘piracy’ and demanded the activists’ release. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on four European activists—Saif Abu Keshek, Jaldia Abubakra Aueda, Hisham Abdallah Sulayman Abu Mahfuz, and Mohammed Khatib—accusing them of supporting terrorism. The flotilla group warned of ‘grave concerns’ over activists’ safety, citing past reports of torture, physical abuse, and sexual violence by Israeli forces during earlier detentions. Italian activist Daniele Gallina, who diverted to Cyprus due to technical issues, described the mission as an effort to draw global attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The flotilla organizers urged governments to intervene for the immediate release of detainees and ensure legal and consular assistance.