A humanitarian flotilla carrying vital medical and nutritional supplies to the war-torn Gaza Strip was intercepted today by Israeli forces in international waters, according to a statement from the coalition organizing the aid effort. This marks the second such interception within just one week.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), a global network of pro-Palestinian civil society groups, said its mission was purely humanitarian—meant to deliver essential aid and challenge the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Despite these intentions, Israeli authorities redirected the convoy to one of its ports. A statement from Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed the interception, describing the mission as “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone,” and stated that all passengers would be deported soon.
The previous attempt, involving the Global Sumud Flotilla, saw 40 vessels and over 450 activists stopped and detained while trying to deliver humanitarian relief to Gaza.
The FFC harshly criticized Israel’s actions, calling the interception a “hijacking” of their peaceful fleet. “The ships were illegally intercepted… Participants — humanitarians, doctors, and journalists from across the world — have been taken against their will and are being held in unknown conditions,” the coalition said in a strongly worded statement.
They emphasized that the flotilla operated in international waters, where Israeli forces “have no legal jurisdiction.” They reiterated: “Our flotilla poses no harm.”
The intercepted aid was valued at over USD 110,000 and included lifesaving medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies, all urgently needed by Gaza’s overburdened and starving hospitals.
Since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the toll in Gaza has risen dramatically. Palestinian authorities report over 67,000 deaths, while Israel maintains that 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage during the initial assault.
