The last boat of the 42 vessels in the Gaza humanitarian flotilla that sought to break Israel’s 18-year maritime blockade has been intercepted by Israeli forces.
The organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said the boat “Marinette” was intercepted about 42.5 nautical miles (79 km) from Gaza. Israeli army radio said the navy had taken control of the last ship in the flotilla, detained those aboard and that the vessel was being led to Ashdod port in Israel.
In a statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli naval forces had now “illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers” who tried to provide humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.
The flotilla, which set sail in late August, marked the latest attempt by activists to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the enclave.
On Thursday, Pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets in cities across Europe as well as in Karachi, Buenos Aires and Mexico City on Thursday to protest the flotilla’s interception.
