The last vessel of a major humanitarian aid convoy has been intercepted by the Israeli military. The Polish-flagged Marinette was stopped on Friday morning in international waters, approximately 42 nautical miles from Gaza.
This action concluded a multi-day operation by Israel to dismantle the 44-vessel fleet of the Global Sumud Flotilla. The flotilla aimed to break the long-standing naval blockade and deliver essential supplies to the besieged Palestinian territory.
Hundreds of activists from over 40 countries have been detained. This includes high-profile figures like climate activist Greta Thunberg and several politicians. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has stated that the detained individuals are safe. It confirmed that deportations have already begun.
Organisers of the flotilla reported that all 42 vessels were illegally intercepted over 38 hours. They have called for the immediate release of all volunteers, some of whom have reportedly started a hunger strike.
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International outcry and diplomatic pressure
The interception has triggered widespread protests in cities across the world. Demonstrations took place in Barcelona, Paris, Dublin, and Tunis. Protesters demanded an end to the Gaza blockade and sanctions against Israel.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the interception as a violation of international law. He demanded the immediate release of four detained South African nationals, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson. Ramaphosa emphasised that the aid convoy represented “solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel.”
Despite the international pressure, Israeli officials have defended their actions. They described the mission as a “provocation” and a “sham”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the navy for preventing the vessels from entering what he termed a “war zone”.
However, international bodies and human rights groups have criticised the move. The UN’s special rapporteur for Palestine described the detentions as an “illegal abduction”. The International Transport Workers’ Federation stated that seizing non-violent, humanitarian vessels in international waters is illegal. The fate of the aid convoy’s cargo remains uncertain as calls for its unimpeded delivery to Gaza continue.
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