Background on the Flotilla and Key Participants
On September 1st, the Global Sumud flotilla set sail from Barcelona, Spain. Comprising approximately 45 vessels and hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from over 40 countries, the flotilla aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Among the passengers was Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
The Flotilla’s Objective
The Global Sumud flotilla, which translates to “resilience” in Arabic, described itself as a peaceful and non-violent mission. Its goal was to transport essential supplies to the Gaza Strip, where Israel had been conducting military operations in response to a terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023.
Israeli Military Intervention
On the evening of Wednesday, Israeli naval forces intercepted several vessels from the flotilla in international waters near Egypt’s coast, as they approached Gaza. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the operation was conducted without incidents, stating that passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port.
“Several boats from the flotilla were safely detained, and their passengers are being transferred to a secure Israeli port,” the ministry announced on X. “Greta and her companions are safe and well,” the message added, accompanied by a brief video showing Thunberg collecting her belongings amidst armed personnel.
However, flotilla organizers claimed that “in addition to the confirmed detained boats, live transmission and communication with other vessels were lost.” Global Sumud stated that they are working tirelessly to locate all participants and crew members.
The organization condemned the action as “an illegal attack against unarmed humanitarian workers” and called on governments, world leaders, and international institutions to demand the safety and release of everyone aboard.
International Reactions
The flotilla’s progress through the Mediterranean Sea garnered international attention, with countries like Turkey, Spain, and Italy preparing support in case their citizens required assistance. Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced Israel’s attack on the flotilla as “an act of terrorism” that endangered innocent civilians’ lives. Meanwhile, spontaneous protests erupted across Italy in response.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomatic delegation in Bogotá amidst these events. These reactions occurred as Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza.
