The Global Sumud Flotilla says one of its vessels, the ‘Handala’, has been intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters overnight. The flotilla, carrying activists and humanitarian workers, insists its mission to Gaza is peaceful and lawful, aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade.
At a virtual press conference, steering committee member Thiago Ávila said the ship was encircled by Israeli warships in what he described as intimidation. Participant Lisi Proença stressed the civilian nature of the voyage, saying the vessel carried no weapons and appealed for international governments to monitor the situation.
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UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese warned that Israel has no sovereignty over Gaza’s waters and said any interception would breach international law. She described the blockade as collective punishment, while international lawyer Lamis J. Deek labelled the actions piracy and urged states to protect their citizens in international waters.
The flotilla, sailing under European and North African flags, is carrying modest humanitarian supplies but organisers said its mission represents a broader demand to end the blockade of Gaza. Solidarity actions have been announced across Europe, with Italian dockworkers threatening strikes if the flotilla comes under attack.
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