(MENAFN) Israeli authorities have detained 223 international activists aboard a Gaza-bound humanitarian convoy, organizers confirmed Thursday.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, via the US-based social media platform X, reported that 15 boats had been confirmed as attacked by Israeli forces since late Wednesday, with an additional eight vessels likely under assault or currently being targeted.

On Instagram, the flotilla released the names and nationalities of the 223 activists detained aboard the intercepted vessels.

The official flotilla tracker indicated that 20 boats have faced attacks by Israeli forces, while 24 others are still en route to Gaza.

Erdem Ozveren, a Turkish activist involved in the mission, stated, “Our vessel is less than 30 nautical miles away from Gaza.”

The flotilla, carrying primarily humanitarian aid and medical supplies, embarked at the end of August. This marked the largest coordinated effort in years, with over 50 ships sailing together toward Gaza, transporting more than 500 civilian activists from upwards of 45 countries.
Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, a territory housing nearly 2.4 million people, for nearly 18 years. The siege intensified in March after Israel shut border crossings and halted deliveries of food and medicine, driving the region towards famine.

Since October 2023, Israeli strikes have claimed over 66,000 Palestinian lives, the majority being women and children. The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza is becoming unlivable, with widespread starvation and disease rapidly taking hold.

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