What Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Israel say about Conscience interception

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said today (8 October) that the Israeli military had attacked and intercepted its convoy of boats en route to Gaza, including The Conscience – a vessel carrying 93 journalists, doctors and activists, among them Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam.

In a statement, the FFC said the Israeli forces had targeted The Conscience before moving to intercept three smaller boats, reports Al Jazeera.

The group added that its passengers were being held "in unknown conditions."

Meanwhile, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the raid on X, saying the flotilla's attempt to breach what it described as a "legal naval blockade" had failed.

Kidnapped by Israeli occupation forces, Shahidul Alam says in video as Gaza flotilla vessel Conscience intercepted

"Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing," the ministry said.

"The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly," it added.

Condemnation

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he strongly condemned Israel's actions and demanded the release of Malaysian citizens on board. 

Turkiye's foreign ministry called the incident a "grave violation of international law" and "an act of piracy."

Reportedly, among those detained were Irish, French, Danish and other European nationals as well.

What happens to Gaza flotilla activists who are detained by Israel?

The FFC, an international network of pro-Palestinian groups that organises civilian maritime missions, said the boats were carrying more than $110,000 worth of vital medical and nutritional aid for Gaza's hospitals.

The organisation said on Instagram, "The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters."

"Our flotilla poses no harm," it added.

This is the second such interception in recent days. 

Earlier, Israel detained more than 450 activists from another aid mission, the Global Sumud Flotilla, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. 

Several activists from that group later alleged physical and psychological abuse while in Israeli custody.