Israeli Navy Intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla, Humanitarian Mission Under Siege

The Israeli Navy has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, triggering a military operation that Israel had previously confirmed would commence if the humanitarian ships did not comply. This operation began around 8:40 PM local time on Wednesday, coinciding with an hour earlier in mainland Spain, and has continued into the following hours. Witnesses from the flotilla, which includes around 20 military vessels according to crew members, claim that the Navy has taken aggressive measures to prevent the passage of dozens of ships committed to delivering food and medicine to the besieged population of Gaza. Departing from Barcelona and other European ports weeks prior, the flotilla has been on a humanitarian mission aimed at providing much-needed aid to Gaza's inhabitants. The first vessel intercepted by the Israeli Navy was the Alma, as reported by Arlin Medrano, a member of the large international crew consisting of hundreds of activists, including approximately 40 Spaniards. In a statement shared by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, a Navy official warned the flotilla that they were entering a blockaded area and advised that any humanitarian deliveries should occur through established channels. The spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) countered that the Israeli blockade is illegal, insisting they would not retreat and thus prompting Israel to initiate the interception protocol. This involved a prolonged examination of the ships and their crews to assess contents and intentions. Testimonies from members of the flotilla shared with RTVE and on social media indicated that Israeli troops have been boarding some vessels while others were being escorted and surrounded, although no reports of violent confrontations have emerged thus far. The situation escalated when, an hour prior to the interception, a message from GSF networks warned of the imminent Israeli naval command presence and highlighted issues with GPS signals within the flotilla. The crew subsequently issued a preventive SOS, urging external parties to "watch over the people on board, contact your embassies, and demand that your government stop allowing Israel's crimes." In the preceding hours, flotilla participants reported being subjected to intimidating maneuvers by Israel, which has been pressing for the group's detainment. As this maritime standoff unfolds, questions about international law, humanitarian access, and the rights of aid vessels navigating contested waters are being raised. The Global Sumud Flotilla's commitment to its humanitarian mission remains steadfast, despite significant pressures and threats from Israeli forces. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2