A humanitarian flotilla en route to the besieged Gaza Strip has reported alarming encounters with Israeli naval forces, raising fears of escalation at sea. Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying aid supplies and activists, alleged that Israeli warships circled their vessels in a threatening manner and even issued warnings to sink them.
The incident occurred on Wednesday while the flotilla was approximately 118 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. According to the organizers, two Israeli warships approached at high speed and surrounded at least two vessels—Alma and Sirius—rendering their navigation and communication systems inoperative.
Thiago Ávila, one of the organizers on board, told reporters that the blackout was caused by a cyberattack from Israeli forces. However, British news agency Reuters reported that some of the flotilla’s communication systems had been partially restored. Israeli officials declined to comment when asked.
The humanitarian mission, comprising over 40 civilian boats and ships, is carrying essential food and medical supplies along with around 500 passengers, including parliamentarians, human rights activists, lawyers, and prominent Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Despite the disruption, the flotilla remains on course. Organizers plan to reach Gaza’s shores by Thursday morning, though Israel has already stepped up naval patrols and vowed to block the flotilla from docking.
Meanwhile, Italy and Spain announced that they have dispatched rescue and monitoring vessels to support humanitarian efforts but clarified that they would not engage in any military confrontation. Turkey is also reportedly monitoring the flotilla’s movements with drones. Both Italy and Spain stated they would withdraw once the convoy comes within 150 nautical miles of Gaza, citing security concerns.
The situation continues to unfold amid heightened regional tensions, with global attention fixed on whether the aid flotilla will be allowed to reach its destination.
Source: Reuters.