GAZA: In a significant and unprecedented development, the vessel Mikeno from the Global Sumud Flotilla has successfully breached Israel’s naval blockade and entered Gaza’s territorial waters, flotilla organizers confirmed Thursday. The ship is now just nine nautical miles from Gaza, marking the first time a civilian aid vessel has reached Palestinian waters since Israel imposed its maritime siege on the enclave.
The Mikeno’s breakthrough comes despite repeated attempts by Israeli forces to block its entry. According to organizers, the vessel endured more than 20 interception attempts before finally slipping past Israeli patrols. Its arrival in Gaza’s waters was hailed as a “historic moment of solidarity” for Palestinians facing dire humanitarian conditions.
Flotilla Defies Israeli Interceptions
While the Mikeno reached its destination, Israeli naval forces intercepted at least 14 other boats from the flotilla, detaining dozens of activists, lawmakers, and aid workers on board. The Global Sumud Flotilla originally set sail with over 40 civilian vessels carrying approximately 500 participants from around the world, along with humanitarian supplies including food, medicine, and water purification systems.
Organizers confirmed that 23 vessels remain on course toward Gaza despite Israeli efforts to block their passage. Videos shared by flotilla members on Telegram showed activists holding up their passports, alleging they had been forcibly taken to Israeli ports against their will. They reiterated that the mission is entirely peaceful and aimed solely at delivering humanitarian aid.
Israel Responds
The Israeli foreign ministry acknowledged the interceptions, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “Several vessels of the flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.” Israeli officials maintained that the blockade is necessary for security reasons, citing concerns about weapons smuggling into Gaza.
International Outrage
Israel’s actions triggered sharp condemnation abroad. The flotilla’s progress across the Mediterranean had already drawn wide attention, with nations such as Turkey, Spain, and Italy monitoring the mission closely in case assistance was needed for their nationals.
Turkey, which had dozens of citizens aboard the vessels, denounced the interception as an “act of terror” that endangered innocent civilians. The Turkish foreign ministry demanded the immediate release of its citizens, while Istanbul’s chief prosecutor’s office announced it had launched a criminal investigation into Israel’s actions. Charges being considered include unlawful deprivation of liberty, seizure of transport vehicles, and destruction of property, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency.
Meanwhile, protests broke out in several European cities, with demonstrators calling on their governments to exert pressure on Israel to lift the blockade and allow unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.
Symbol of Resistance
The Global Sumud Flotilla has emerged as one of the most high-profile challenges to Israel’s blockade in recent years. Carrying humanitarian supplies and prominent figures from 37 countries, including parliamentarians and lawyers, the flotilla aims to establish a symbolic and practical precedent for breaking the siege on Gaza.
The successful breakthrough of the Mikeno is being hailed by activists as a turning point in the campaign, even as Israel’s interception of other vessels intensifies diplomatic tensions.
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