Global Sumud Flotilla Demands Safe Passage After Reported Israeli Interception

(MENAFN) The Global Sumud aid flotilla has called for “safe passage” to continue its humanitarian mission toward Gaza, accusing Israeli forces of unlawful action at sea, according to a statement issued by the group.

The flotilla said that one of its vessels was attacked “in broad daylight” in international waters, while other boats in the convoy were reportedly intercepted by Israeli naval forces as they approached the region.

In its statement, the group urged governments to intervene, alleging that Israel had carried out “illegal acts of piracy” intended to sustain what it described as a “genocidal siege” on Gaza.

The organization also claimed that naval vessels surrounded civilians aboard the flotilla roughly 250 nautical miles from Gaza, describing the incident as another interception in international waters that violated maritime law.

Live transmissions from the convoy reportedly showed Israeli forces engaging with the boats one after another in the Mediterranean Sea as activists from dozens of countries were on board.

According to Israeli media reports, including Yedioth Ahronoth, detained activists were transferred onto a naval vessel described by the outlet as a “floating prison” before being taken to the port of Ashdod.

MENAFN18052026000045017281ID1111131015