The Israeli military has launched a major operation in the Mediterranean Sea against the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was heading to Gaza in an attempt to break the blockade. The operation took place in international waters, approximately 600 miles from Gaza, where drones, communication jamming technology, and armed personnel were deployed. Seven out of 58 aid vessels were reportedly seized near the Greek island of Crete.
According to flotilla organizers and eyewitnesses, Israeli fast naval boats surrounded the convoy and targeted it with lasers and semi-automatic weapons. Activists were ordered to sit on their knees at the front of the vessels with their hands raised. Flotilla spokesperson Gur Tsabar described the action as a direct attack on unarmed civilian ships and an attempt involving abduction and intimidation, adding that contact with 11 vessels has been lost.
Psychological tactics and communication disruption intensify tensions
Activist Tariq Rauf, who was on board the convoy, reported that Israeli forces broadcast music over radio channels to disrupt communications, describing it as a psychological tactic. Drones continuously monitored the flotilla while radio warnings accused the activists of violating international law. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, confirmed the operation and stated that the flotilla was intercepted before entering Israeli-controlled waters.
Israel issues warnings to humanitarian convoy
The Global Sumud Flotilla released audio recordings of warnings allegedly issued by Israeli forces. In the recordings, the convoy is told that advancing toward Gaza would endanger their safety and that all necessary measures would be taken to enforce the blockade. The vessels were instructed to divert toward the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Humanitarian mission amid ongoing Gaza blockade crisis
The flotilla consists of more than 50 vessels carrying activists from multiple countries, having departed from Italy on a humanitarian mission. Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis in the territory. In 2010, a similar incident resulted in the killing of 10 Turkish activists during an Israeli raid, while over 450 participants were detained in a previous flotilla attempt last year.
