Athens, April 30 (SANA) Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla condemned Israel for “open piracy” after its forces intercepted aid vessels bound for Gaza in international waters near Greece, describing the move as a clear breach of international law.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Thursday that Israeli forces boarded and took control of the ships hundreds of miles from Gaza. The initiative described the operation near Crete as an unlawful seizure at sea, saying it showed Israel was acting “with total impunity” beyond its borders.
The flotilla, comprising around 100 vessels and approximately 1,000 activists from various countries, set sail from Sicily earlier this week aiming to challenge the blockade on Gaza. Organizers said several ships had faced signal jamming while continuing their journey across the Mediterranean.
This incident follows a similar attempt in October last year, when Israeli forces intercepted a previous flotilla organized by the same group and detained hundreds of participants, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
Organizers said the latest interception raises urgent questions regarding freedom of navigation, humanitarian access and accountability in international waters.
R.H/Abd
