Israel’ abducts, detains 443 Gaza flotilla activists, sparks rebuke

The Global Sumud Flotilla reported that Israeli occupation forces intercepted the “peaceful convoy’s ships” in international waters and subsequently abducted hundreds of volunteers.

According to the flotilla’s report, more than 443 participants from 47 countries are now being detained illegally by Israeli authorities, after the fleet was seized. It called for urgent international intervention to ensure the safety of the volunteers detained by “Israel” and to secure their immediate release.

In contrast, the Israeli occupation’s Foreign Ministry stated that “none of the ships in the Gaza aid flotilla succeeded in their attempt to reach the sector,” adding that “only one ship remains at a distance, and if it attempts to violate the Gaza blockade, it will be intercepted as well.”

The Foreign Ministry claimed that the flotilla participants are in good condition and are being taken to Israeli ports for deportation to Europe.

World leaders condemn ‘Israel’s’ piracy, abductions

The hijacking of the Global Sumud Flotilla ships, which were meant to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza after more than 7 months of a brutal Israeli siege that has led to an engineered famine in the territory, has led to a diplomatic and public outcry. 

While “Israel’s” action against the flotilla has sparked global popular outrage, with demonstrations, protests, and strikes being announced in numerous countries, it has instigated condemnations by world leaders and representatives

Flotilla seizure exposes the ‘criminal face’ of Netanyahu, Israeli government: Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday condemned Israel’s “act of piracy” against the global Sumud humanitarian flotilla en route to Gaza to deliver aid to “oppressed Palestinians”.

“Israel’s” attack on civilians in international waters proves that “the genocide apparatus is in a state of frenzy to conceal its crimes in Gaza,” Erdogan said during his address at the Justice and Development (AK) Party provincial heads meeting.

“The genocidal Netanyahu government cannot tolerate even the slightest chance for peace to take hold,” Erdogan further said.

“Global Sumud Flotilla has once again shown the world the brutality in Gaza and Israel’s murderous face,” he added.

“We will not abandon our Palestinian brothers and sisters and will work with all our might to secure a ceasefire and restore peace,” he vowed.

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The Ministry clarified in a statement that it is in contact with the families of several British citizens participating in the flotilla, emphasizing that the humanitarian aid carried by the flotilla must be handed over to international organizations on the ground to ensure its safe delivery to Gaza.

In a statement published on Thursday, the German Foreign Ministry called on “Israel” to treat those aboard the boats headed for Gaza well and in a proportionate manner.

On his part, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that “Israel” has detained 22 Italians who were part of the Sumud Flotilla, confirming that they will be deported to their country within days.

Latin America stands against ‘Israel’s actions

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry issued a demand for the rights of its citizens aboard the flotilla to be respected, while the Brazilian government implored “Israel” to immediately and unconditionally lift all restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

South Africa describes seizue as a ‘crime against international solidarity’

Meanwhile, in the African continent, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Thursday that “Israel’s” interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla constitutes a “serious crime” against “global solidarity and the humanitarian sentiments aimed at alleviating the suffering” in the territory.

In his statement, Ramaphosa called on the Israeli authorities to immediately release the South African citizens and all others who were aboard the flotilla, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of the late leader Nelson Mandela.



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