In a move that has drawn both condemnation and concern from human rights activists around the world, a fleet of humanitarian vessels bound for Gaza was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters earlier today, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). This marks the second such interception within a week.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a global alliance of pro-Palestinian civilian activists, has long sought to break the blockade imposed on Gaza by delivering vital humanitarian aid. Their missions are often symbolic and deeply humanitarian — carrying not just supplies, but a message of solidarity to the Palestinian people.
According to Israel’s foreign ministry, the vessels and passengers were safely escorted to an Israeli port and will be deported. The ministry posted on X, calling the attempt a “futile” one to breach what it claims is a “legal naval blockade.”
However, the FFC strongly disputed the legality of the interception, stating the flotilla was in international waters and posed no threat. In a powerful statement, they described the Israeli operation as a “hijacking” of a peaceful humanitarian effort.
“The participants — among them humanitarians, doctors, and journalists from across the world — were taken against their will,” the FFC said, adding that they are currently being held under unknown conditions. “The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters. Our flotilla poses no harm.”
The flotilla was reportedly carrying over USD $110,000 worth of life-saving aid, including medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies. These were intended for Gaza’s overwhelmed and under-resourced hospitals.
As of now, Gaza authorities report over 67,000 deaths and catastrophic infrastructure damage since Israel launched its military operation in response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli sources.
