Global Sumud flotilla demands safe passage after Israeli attack

The Global Sumud aid flotilla on Monday called for safe passage to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, accusing Israel of committing “illegal acts of piracy” after its naval forces attacked the fleet in international waters.

Israeli forces intercept fleet in Mediterranean

In a statement, the flotilla said Israeli forces attacked the first of its boats “in broad daylight” in international waters while military vessels intercepted the fleet. “We demand safe passage for our legal, non-violent humanitarian mission,” the statement said. The group called on governments to intervene, accusing Israel of carrying out “illegal acts of piracy” aimed at maintaining a “genocidal siege” on Gaza. “Normalization of the occupation’s violence is a threat to us all,” the group added.

Activists from 39 countries detained

The flotilla said Israeli naval warships encircled civilians aboard the fleet approximately 250 nautical miles from Gaza in “another illegal high-seas interception.” Live broadcasts from the flotilla showed Israeli forces attacking boats carrying activists from 39 countries one after another. The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the army detained activists and was transferring them to a navy ship described as a “floating prison” before transporting them to the port of Ashdod. Türkiye has repeatedly condemned Israel’s interception of civilian aid flotillas and called on the international community to ensure safe passage for humanitarian missions to Gaza.