One of the ships from the global humanitarian initiative “Global Sumud Flotilla,” carrying aid for the people of Gaza, has already entered Gaza’s territorial waters, according to live tracking data released Thursday. However, it remains unclear whether the vessel has been intercepted by Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, at least 23 other vessels are still advancing toward Gaza, currently positioned about 50–60 kilometers off the coast. Earlier, on Wednesday night, Israeli forces intercepted 13 vessels from the flotilla and detained more than 200 human rights activists from 37 countries. Among those detained is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the stopped vessels were being directed to an Israeli port and assured that the detainees, including Greta, were safe and in good health.
The flotilla first set sail from Barcelona on August 31. Later, more ships joined from Tunisia, Italy’s Sicily Island, and Greece. In total, nearly 500 people from 44 countries—including human rights activists, lawyers, doctors, journalists, and members of the European Parliament—are part of this mission to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
Source: Al Jazeera