The Israeli military has completed the dismantling of the Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepting its last remaining vessel on Friday and detaining hundreds of activists from dozens of boats attempting to break the blockade on Gaza.
The final ship, the Polish-flagged Marinette, was stopped in the Mediterranean Sea after livestream footage showed Israeli forces boarding it at dawn. The yacht, carrying a six-member crew including volunteers from Australia, Turkey and Oman, had fallen behind the rest of the fleet due to mechanical problems but continued toward Gaza until it was seized.
Organisers of the flotilla said some of those detained had immediately launched an open-ended hunger strike in protest at their arrests. Since Wednesday, Israeli naval forces have intercepted more than 40 boats carrying humanitarian supplies, detaining around 500 activists from over 40 countries. High-profile passengers among those held include climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had warned the Marinette not to approach Gaza, calling the territory an “active combat zone” and defending its actions as enforcement of a “lawful naval blockade”. Rights groups and international officials, however, have denounced the seizures as violations of international law.
Stephen Cotton, head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, condemned Israel’s actions, saying: “Attacking or seizing nonviolent, humanitarian vessels in international waters is illegal under international law. The seas must not be turned into a theatre of war.”
Global criticism has intensified following the flotilla’s dismantling. Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of Israeli diplomats and the cancellation of a free trade agreement with Israel. Several European countries, including Germany, France, the UK, Spain, Greece, and Ireland, also called on Israel to respect the rights of detained crew members.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, once a 44-ship convoy, had been the largest international naval mission yet to attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Its interception has triggered protests around the world and renewed debate over the legality of Israel’s blockade on the besieged enclave.
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