Two flotilla vessels still en route to Gaza as 'Israel' seizes Global Sumud ships

Two vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla are still making their way toward Gaza after Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) intercepted the majority of the humanitarian convoy attempting to deliver food, medicine, and aid to the Palestinian enclave.

Late Wednesday evening, 'Israeli' naval forces began intercepting multiple ships, directing those on board toward Ashdod port in 'Israel'. Organizers confirmed that 21 ships had been intercepted, while 18 others have not communicated since the early hours of Thursday and are presumed to have been captured.

Early Thursday, tracking data showed that the vessel Mikeno entered Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza. The Fair Lady, another flotilla ship, remained in contact with organizers as of 9 AM, heading toward the enclave. It is one of the furthest vessels from Gaza and is expected to face interception upon approach. Mikeno, tracked earlier, lost communication at 8:21 AM, and its current status remains unknown.

'Israel’s' foreign ministry released footage showing climate activist Greta Thunberg, one of the most high-profile participants on the flotilla, surrounded by armed soldiers on one of the intercepted boats.

The flotilla included more than 40 civilian vessels with around 500 people onboard, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists. Several ships were as far as 70 nautical miles from Gaza when the IOF intervened. Videos shared by passengers on Telegram showed individuals holding passports and claiming they were forcibly taken to 'Israel', emphasizing that the mission was peaceful and humanitarian.

- International condemnation -

Several governments have condemned the 'Israeli' actions. Spain’s labor minister and deputy prime minister, Yolanda Diaz, described the raid as “a crime against international law” and demanded the immediate release of those detained.

Brazil’s foreign ministry also denounced the interception, stating it “deplores the Israeli government’s military action, which violates rights and endangers the physical well-being of peaceful protesters.” Among those on board were 15 Brazilian nationals, including lawmaker Luizianne Lins.

Pakistan called the interception a “dastardly attack,” with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urging the immediate release of all detained activists. “Their crime was to carry aid for the hapless Palestinian people,” he said.

Turkey’s foreign ministry labeled the naval raid a “terrorist” act.