Israel Seizes Boats from International “Sumud” Flotilla to Gaza
Israeli forces intercepted and seized several boats from the international “Sumud” flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The flotilla consisted of more than 40 civilian boats with around 500 people on board, including members of parliament, lawyers, and international activists.
Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s Prime Minister, said: “From the very first minute, what I have always conveyed to the government of Israel is that, naturally, our nationals, those compatriots who are in the flotilla, will have full diplomatic protection, as could not be otherwise. They do not represent a danger or a threat to Israel.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters in Turkey, Argentina, Greece, and several other countries held demonstrations demanding the release of activists who were arrested after the flotilla was seized.
Miriam Bregman, an Argentine protester, said: “All along we warned that Israel would block the flotilla, and it seems this has happened in the past few hours. Our comrades have been detained. We call on the entire world to react, and on all political leaders in our country to respond. We cannot close our eyes.”
Yusuf Miroğlu, a Turkish protester, said: “I condemn our government for these mistakes. Let me repeat: they must immediately support the Sumud ships. The oppressed people are there, the women are there, even small children. We hope the Republic of Turkey will not allow them to be subjected to oppression.”
Varvara Soul, a Greek protester, said: “Today I came with all these people because we are the shield of the Greek ships and the international Sumud flotilla heading to Gaza to end the blockade. We came to declare that we are here, we are watching, and we will not allow anyone to be taken hostage by the Israeli government.”
The Israeli military said it stopped the flotilla because it had entered an active war zone, but the organizers called the action a deliberate attempt to disrupt communications and endanger the lives of activists.
