Activists aboard the Gaza Flotilla said Israeli naval forces intercepted their vessels late Wednesday as the convoy neared Gaza, alleging mistreatment, communication jamming, and threats of seizure after a month at sea. The group, which departed from Barcelona and comprises nearly fifty boats and roughly five hundred activists, stated that the navy ordered the engines shut and approached with transponders switched off, prompting alarms among the participants.
Gaza Flotilla Interception Details
Organizers described chaotic scenes as warships circled and officials claimed attempts to disable livestreams and radios. Greg Stoker, an American veteran on board, said the ships warned of seizure if activists refused to comply. Israel’s foreign ministry said the flotilla entered an active combat zone and offered to transfer aid through alternative channels, while accusing the mission of provocation.
Key facts reported by activists and the mission include:
- Nearly fifty boats and about five hundred participants sailed from Barcelona after weeks of preparation.
- High-profile passengers reportedly included Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela, and several lawmakers, underscoring the mission’s international profile.
- Activists claim that naval vessels approached with their transponders disabled, ordered their engines to stop, and employed jamming techniques to limit communications.
Eyewitness accounts and video clips shared by participants portray a tense stand-off that lasted several hours. Organizers insist the flotilla carried symbolic aid only and sought to challenge the blockade through peaceful protest. Humanitarian groups called for independent monitoring and urged restraint, while some European MPs demanded impartial investigations.
The allegations of abuse in Israeli custody have already drawn pushback from Israeli officials who call the flotilla a security risk. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labeled the mission a “provocation” and pointed to potential links with militant groups, a charge activists deny. International observers have urged restraint and a clear investigation into any credible claims of mistreatment.
Investigators have not released independent findings, and activists say they will keep records for legal action.
