Background and Context
The Global Sumud flotilla, meaning “resilience” in Arabic, set sail from Barcelona in early September with approximately 45 vessels and hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from over 45 countries, including several from Latin America. The flotilla aimed to deliver aid to Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis amid ongoing Israeli military operations following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.
Israeli Interception of the Flotilla
On Wednesday, the Israeli Navy began intercepting the flotilla’s ships after warning them not to enter waters under the blockade. By Thursday morning, around 40 of the 45 ships had been intercepted or appeared to have been intercepted, according to the pro-Palestinian movement’s tracking system.
The organizers reported losing contact with several ships. Israel announced on Thursday that it would deport all activists from Europe upon reaching an Israeli port, referring to the flotilla as “Hamas-Sumud” in a statement from its foreign ministry.
“The passengers are safe and in good health,” the foreign ministry added, alongside photos of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and other flotilla members.
Saif Abukeshek, spokesperson for the pro-Gaza movement, stated that unintercepted ships remain determined to break the Israeli blockade: “They are determined, motivated, and doing everything within their power to break the Israeli siege on Gaza.”
International Reactions
The organizers of Global Sumud denounced the interceptions as “an illegal attack” occurring in international waters. The news of the ship seizures sparked international concern, particularly among activists’ home countries.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel’s actions, calling them “brutal” and the leaders “genocidal” for attempting to conceal their crimes against humanity in Gaza.
- Turkey’s chief prosecutor announced an investigation into the arrest of 24 Turks among the passengers.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomatic delegation in Bogotá after denouncing the detention of two Colombian nationals and demanding their release.
- Mexico confirmed the detention of three nationals, while Brazil condemned the Israeli military interception involving 15 of its citizens, including lawmaker Luizianne Lins.
- España, with 65 participants, summoned the charge d’affaires of Israel in Madrid. Hamas also condemned the flotilla interception as “piracy and maritime terrorism.”
“Intimidation”
Following its departure from Spain, the flotilla made a 10-day stopover in Tunisia’s coast, where organizers reported two drone attacks. They also claimed that two of their vessels were subjected to “harassment maneuvers” by Israel.
Despite these incidents, Global Sumud vowed to continue its efforts to break the Israeli blockade and deliver aid to Gaza, calling the military’s tactics “intimidation.”
Italy and Spain deployed naval vessels to escort the flotilla, which included Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s grandson, and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. However, on Wednesday, the Spanish government asked them not to enter the declared exclusion zone extending 150 nautical miles from Gaza, warning that its warship would not enter the area, nor would the Italian vessel.
Israel had previously blocked similar campaigns with flotillas in June and July.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the flotilla? The Global Sumud flotilla comprises approximately 45 vessels and activists from over 45 countries, including Latin America, aiming to deliver aid to Gaza.
- Why is there a blockade on Gaza? Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007 due to the region’s political situation and security concerns.
- What is the international reaction to Israel’s interception? International concern has grown, with several countries and organizations condemning Israel’s actions and calling for the release of detained citizens.
- What is the flotilla’s next step? Despite interceptions and harassment, the flotilla intends to continue its mission to break the Israeli blockade and deliver aid to Gaza.
