Desk Report:
The Israeli navy has tried to stop the Global Sea Flotilla, which is trying to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, from approaching the Mediterranean coast. However, a spokesman for the flotilla said that the journey is still ongoing. According to the Qatar-based media outlet Al-Jazeera, the Israeli navy has detained at least 200 workers from the international aid flotilla heading to Gaza. Among them is human rights activist Greta Thunberg.
The report said that hundreds of workers from different countries around the world are traveling in more than 40 ships to break the Israeli blockade and deliver aid to the Gaza coast. However, Israel has previously thwarted the organization of such a flotilla. The country has not reduced its efforts to thwart this journey either.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent on board said the Israeli navy fired water cannons at the ships, disrupted their communications and seized workers on board the Gaza-bound vessel in international waters.
Global Sea Flotilla spokesman Saif Abukeshek gave a “mission update” in a post shared on social media on Instagram. He said Israeli forces had stopped 13 vessels in the middle of the sea. He said the seized boats were carrying more than 201 workers from 37 countries. Of these, 30 were from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Turkey and 12 from Malaysia. He said the “mission is ongoing” despite Israel seizing workers from various vessels.
Other vessels are still trying to break the blockade of Gaza by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. A couple of hours ago, the ships of the Global Sumud flotilla were only 85 kilometers away from the coast of the Gaza Strip. Abukeshek said, “About 30 of our ships are still trying to reach the Gaza coast, avoiding the obstacles of the occupation forces’ military vessels. They are determined, they are motivated. They are trying their best to break the blockade and reach Gaza together by dawn.”
