Israeli navy intercepts Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters
The Israeli navy intercepted vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Crete late Wednesday, jamming communications and cutting contact with 11 boats, the flotilla said. Türkiye and Spain called for a unified international stance against what they termed an illegal intervention.
The Israeli navy intercepted vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters late Wednesday as they headed toward Gaza to break the blockade on the enclave, the flotilla said.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli military boats surrounded the convoy in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, adding that communications were jammed and contact was lost with 11 vessels. It said Israeli naval forces were alongside the boats and pointing weapons at those on board, stressing that “the Israeli navy cannot silence voices demanding justice.” The flotilla also called on governments to act to protect its vessels and hold Israel accountable.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares spoke by phone early Thursday, stressing the “need for a unified international stance” against Israel’s intervention, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli wrote on X that during the call, “it was emphasized that the illegal intervention by Israeli forces against the Global Sumud Flotilla, sailing in international waters off Crete, endangered the lives of numerous civilians of various nationalities and violated international law.”