Israeli naval forces intercepted vessels from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
The flotilla set sail from the Mediterranean in September.
On October 1, the Israeli Navy urged the vessels to redirect their course, saying it was “approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade.”
“The sole purpose of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla is provocation. Israel, Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have all offered and continue to offer the flotilla a way to peacefully deliver any aid they might have to Gaza. The flotilla refused because they are not interested in aid, but in provocation,” the Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on October 1. “The Israeli Navy has reached out to the Hamas-Sumud flotilla and asked them to change course. Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade. Israel reiterated the offer to transfer any aid peacefully through safe channels to Gaza.”
Following the interception of the vessels, Israel’s Foreign Ministry wrote on X, “The Hamas-Sumud provocation is over.”
“None of the Hamas-Sumud provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade,” the statement read. “All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe. One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”
Activist Greta Thunberg was reportedly detained as a result of the interception.
