Israeli military speedboats have intercepted and begun seizing vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian aid mission bound for Gaza, in the Mediterranean Sea. The interception took place in Greek waters west of Crete, more than 1,000 kilometers from the Israeli coast, according to organizers of the mission.
Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported that Israeli forces used jamming technology and armed boarding teams to halt the fleet. The mission's crew members stated that communications were jammed and an SOS signal was issued during the encounter.
Al Jazeera reported that Israeli-identified speedboats approached the vessels using lasers and semi-automatic assault weapons. Participants were reportedly ordered to move to the front of the boats and lie on their hands and knees.
Israeli Army Radio cited an Israeli source stating that naval forces have already captured seven of the 58 vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla. The report indicated that Israel is moving to seize control of ships heading toward Gaza, even far from its own shores.
Allegations of illegal seizure
Press officer Gur Tsabar, speaking to Al Jazeera from Toronto, Canada, described the operation as an attack on unarmed civilian boats occurring in international waters. Tsabar characterized the boarding of the vessels as "a straight-up attack" and suggested the actions amounted to "illegal detention—potentially kidnapping on the high seas."
Tsabar urged international governments to intervene, stating, "It’s critical that all governments act now. Every government has an obligation to protect the over 400 civilians on board and to uphold international law. Silence in this moment is absolute complicity."
Al Jazeera Arabic reported that the Israeli army has issued warnings to the activists on board, demanding they return immediately. The military reportedly threatened to obstruct the ships' arrival "by all possible means" if the mission continues.
Expanding zones of military control
These maritime interceptions occur as Israel implements new territorial boundaries within the Gaza Strip. France 24 reported that new maps issued by Israel approximately one month ago have expanded the zone of military control.
According to France 24, these updated maps have placed thousands of displaced Palestinians within newly defined restricted areas. The Israeli military has indicated that the boundaries of these control zones are subject to further changes.
This maritime escalation follows more than two years of conflict in Gaza. Al Jazeera reported that the war has resulted in the deaths of more than 72,500 Palestinians.
