Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The international flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza reported that unnamed vessels approached some of its ships before dawn on Wednesday, as it neared the area under Israel’s naval blockade of the war-torn strip.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is made up of over 40 civilian boats with approximately 500 people onboard, including parliamentarians, lawyers, activists, and Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Its goal is to end Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave.
“We continue to sail to Gaza, approaching the 120 nautical mile mark, near the area where previous flotillas have been intercepted or attacked,”
Organisers said in a statement.
What vessels approached the flotilla before dawn on Wednesday?
According to reports, it was unclear who was operating the vessels that approached the flotilla. Reuters said a video posted on the flotilla’s Instagram page stated that an Israeli military vessel approached its boats, performed “dangerous manoeuvres,” and damaged its communication systems before leaving.
The post depicted a silhouetted outline of what seemed to be a military vessel with a gun turret positioned near the civilian ships.
The flotilla has heightened international tensions in recent days after being attacked by drones that dropped stun grenades and itching powder on the vessels, causing damage but no injuries.
What military steps is Israel planning against the flotilla?
Israel did not comment on the attack but announced it will take all necessary steps to prevent the boats from reaching Gaza, affirming that its naval blockade is lawful as it counteracts Hamas militants in the coastal enclave.
However, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan said that the Israeli military is planning to “take control” of the flotilla with naval commandos and warships. Israel won’t permit all 50 vessels, however, and will sink some at sea, Kan said.
How are Italy, Spain, and Turkey responding to the crisis?
Italy and Spain have dispatched naval ships to accompany the flotilla and assist with rescue or humanitarian tasks, while clarifying they will not engage in military action. Turkish drones are also monitoring the vessels. Nonetheless, Italy announced that its navy would cease tracking the flotilla once it reached within 150 nautical miles of Gaza.
How did Israel attack previous flotillas in international waters?
According to Al Jazeera, since 2010, several Freedom Flotilla vessels have tried to break the Gaza blockade, but all were intercepted or attacked by Israel, mainly in international waters where it lacks territorial rights.
The deadliest incident happened on May 31, 2010, when Israeli commandos boarded the Mavi Marmara in international waters. They killed 10 activists, mostly Turkish, and injured many others, provoking worldwide outrage and greatly straining Israel-Turkey relations.
