Israeli War Crimes, Palestinian Genocide & Global Solidarity Flotilla
Occupied Jerusalem, 2 October – (Deccan Live Desk): Israeli naval forces have intercepted and seized two ships from the Global Solidarity Flotilla, a humanitarian mission carrying aid for Gaza. The vessels, named Alma and Sirius, were stormed in international waters, and all international volunteers on board were detained and taken to Ashdod port.
According to reports, Israeli warships surrounded the flotilla and cut off all communications before launching the operation. Organizers had earlier warned of possible Israeli attempts to block their mission, as nearly 20 Israeli naval vessels were seen moving close to the flotilla.
Despite repeated threats, warnings, and even pressure from European governments, the flotilla organizers had vowed to continue their journey to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged people of Gaza.
This morning, witnesses reported that the Israeli navy harassed the Alma for several minutes in what was described as a “provocative and aggressive” manner, disabling its communication systems and forcing the captain to take emergency measures to avoid direct confrontation. Soon after, the Sirius faced a similar attack.
French Member of Parliament Marie Mesemore, who was aboard the Sirius, confirmed that two unidentified naval vessels approached dangerously close. One of them reportedly targeted the ship with military searchlights, while internet and radar systems were cut off.
A Global Humanitarian Mission
The flotilla had set sail from Spain in late August with 45 ships and volunteers from over 40 countries. The convoy was carrying baby formula, food supplies, and medical aid for Gaza’s civilians.
Among the high-profile participants were Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela from South Africa, climate activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden, French MEP Rima Hassan, and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau.
Organizers said the mission’s goal was to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza and deliver aid directly to Palestinians suffering under what they described as “genocide and famine.”
European Pressure and Global Reaction
Earlier, Italy and Spain had announced naval escorts for the flotilla but also urged participants not to enter the 150-nautical-mile zone declared off-limits by Israel. Italy even broadcast radio messages asking volunteers to abandon their journey—a move condemned by organizers as an attempt to sabotage a peaceful humanitarian mission.
South Africa strongly condemned the Israeli action, warning the international community that targeting unarmed aid workers or hijacking ships would amount to a grave violation of international law.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also stressed that the aid flotilla posed no threat to Israel and expressed hope that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government would not target the ships.
Italy and Greece issued a joint statement urging Israel to guarantee the safety of all participants and allow the aid to reach Gaza safely.
⚡ Deccan Live will continue to follow updates on this developing story.
