‘Israeli’ naval forces move to intercept Global Sumud Flotilla: Hebrew Media

The ‘Israeli’ navy’s elite commando unit, “Shayetet 13,” is moving in to intercept and seize the Global Sumod Flotilla heading towards Gaza on a mission to break the suffocating blockage that has plunged the enclave into a man-made catastrophe. 

According to the ‘Israeli’ public broadcaster Kan, the operation targets dozens of ships carrying hundreds of international activists from over 40 countries, delivering symbolic humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

This isn’t the first time ‘Israel’ launches a military operation to intercept ships in international waters, attacks that have often turned violent.

In 2010, the same Shayetet 13 unit stormed the Mavi Marmara in international waters, killing several Turkish activists and unleashing a wave of international condemnation, sparking a major diplomatic crisis.

Read more: Journalist expelled from Global Sumud Flotilla

Fears of a similar repeat of the Mavi Marmara scenario are now simmering.

‘Israel’ has imposed a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, alleging that any attempt to breach it constitutes a “provocation” and “security threat,” justifying the measure as a way to prevent weapons smuggling to Palestinian resistance groups.

Far-right ‘Israeli’ officials in the government such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gir have urged firm actions against the flotilla to be taken, calling for the seizure of the vessels and the arrest of activists. 

The escalation comes amid calls from human rights groups and the United Nations urging ‘Israel’ to ensure the safety of civilian activists aboard the ships, and to allow humanitarian supplies to reach Gaza.