Pro-Palestinian activists say Israeli forces have intercepted a flotilla of more than 50 boats carrying aid for Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) stated that its fleet was boarded in what it described as 'another illegal, high-seas aggression' about 250 nautical miles (460km) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli maritime blockade. Video streams showed commandos climbing onto several boats.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, saying it was 'effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza'. Last month, Israeli forces also intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete, detaining 181 activists, of whom most were released after public outcry.
The flotilla, aiming to deliver essential supplies, had set sail from the Turkish port of Marmaris with 54 boats and over 460 activists from 45 countries onboard. Recently, live broadcasts indicated that Israeli forces were boarding the GSF's boats as passengers raised their hands in surrender. The flotilla organizers have demanded safe passage for their 'legal, non-violent humanitarian mission'.
Turkey condemned the incident, labeling the action by Israeli forces as piracy, and a Hamas official accused Israel of state terrorism. In response, Israel maintained that its maritime blockade is lawful and accused the flotilla of attempting to serve Hamas interests. Meanwhile, the UN has reported that living conditions in Gaza remain dire, with many families displaced and lacking basic services despite claims of abundant humanitarian aid entering the territory.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, saying it was 'effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza'. Last month, Israeli forces also intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete, detaining 181 activists, of whom most were released after public outcry.
The flotilla, aiming to deliver essential supplies, had set sail from the Turkish port of Marmaris with 54 boats and over 460 activists from 45 countries onboard. Recently, live broadcasts indicated that Israeli forces were boarding the GSF's boats as passengers raised their hands in surrender. The flotilla organizers have demanded safe passage for their 'legal, non-violent humanitarian mission'.
Turkey condemned the incident, labeling the action by Israeli forces as piracy, and a Hamas official accused Israel of state terrorism. In response, Israel maintained that its maritime blockade is lawful and accused the flotilla of attempting to serve Hamas interests. Meanwhile, the UN has reported that living conditions in Gaza remain dire, with many families displaced and lacking basic services despite claims of abundant humanitarian aid entering the territory.
