Global flotilla tracker shows 40 ships intercepted or assumed to be; 1 in Palestinian waters, 3 still sailing
There have been no further updates, though the tracker indicates its still sailing, it also lists the speed as 0 knots with no course
Highlights:
- The Mikeno reportedly entered Palestinian waters despite widespread Israeli interceptions
- Israeli forces have intercepted half of the civilian boats bound for Gaza
- Greta Thunberg was stopped aboard one of the vessels, being transferred to an Israeli port
- Global Sumud Flotilla is carrying approximately 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists with humanitarian supplies for Gaza
- Multiple nations condemned the interceptions
- Colombia expelled the entire Israeli diplomatic delegation, revoked an FTA
- Flotilla organisers denounced Israel's action as a "war crime"
- Israel maintained the action was necessary to enforce its 15-year blockade
According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, 40 of its ships have either been intercepted by Israeli forces or are assumed as if their last update at 3pm, Dhaka time, today (2 October).
Of the rest four ships one ship, the Mikeno, successfully entered Palestinian waters, while three are still sailing.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
You can track the locations of the ships from the official website of Global Sumud Flotilla
The flotilla says its mission is to bring humanitarian supplies to Gaza, where living conditions have deteriorated sharply during Israel's war with Hamas.
Israel says the blockade, in place for more than 15 years, is intended to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, the Islamist group that governs Gaza. Aid agencies have repeatedly called for greater access to the territory's 2.3 million residents.
A video from the Israeli foreign ministry verified by Reuters showed the most prominent of the flotilla's passengers, Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, sitting on a deck surrounded by soldiers.
"Several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port," the Israeli foreign ministry said on X. "Greta and her friends are safe and healthy."
The Global Sumud Flotilla is transporting medicine and food to Gaza and consists of more than 40 civilian boats with about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists.
It has posted several videos on Telegram with messages from individuals aboard the boats, some holding their passports and claiming they had been abducted and taken to Israel against their will, while reiterating that their mission was a non-violent humanitarian cause.
The flotilla is the latest sea-borne attempt to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, much of which has been turned into a wasteland by almost two years of war.
Sumud flotilla's organisers denounced Israel's action as a "war crime." They said the military used aggressive tactics, including the use of water cannon, but that no one was harmed.
"Multiple vessels ... were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli Occupation Forces in international waters," the organisers said in a statement.
The boats were about 70 nautical miles off the war-ravaged enclave when they were intercepted, inside a zone that Israel is policing to stop any boats approaching. The organisers said their communications, including the use of a live camera feed from some of the boats, had been scrambled.
Amid the tensions, world leaders have begun to react with condemnation to the interceptions. Below are some of the reactions:
Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the interception in "the strongest terms," calling Israel's actions "intimidation and coercion" of unarmed civilians. Malaysia confirmed at least 12 nationals were aboard the intercepted boats. The government said it would use all "legitimate and lawful means" to ensure Israel is held accountable and that the safety of its citizens is protected.
Ireland: Foreign Minister Simon Harris described the flotilla as a "peaceful mission" and said Israel's actions were "very concerning." Ireland's embassy in Tel Aviv is actively liaising with Israeli authorities to support affected citizens and their families. Harris also reported coordination with European Union partners who were part of or monitoring the flotilla mission.
Colombia: President Gustavo Petro expelled the entire Israeli diplomatic delegation and immediately revoked the free trade agreement with Israel after two Colombian nationals were detained. Petro publicly criticised Israeli leadership and called the incident a new international crime. The Colombian government is coordinating with legal and diplomatic channels to ensure the welfare of detained citizens.
Venezuela: Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the interception as a "continuation of genocide by other means" and criticised Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid. Venezuela pledged to raise the issue in international forums and continue advocating for humanitarian access to Gaza.
Turkey: The Foreign Ministry labelled the Israeli naval action a "terrorist act" and stated it would pursue diplomatic protest measures at the United Nations and through bilateral channels.
Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for the immediate release of detained humanitarian workers from 44 countries and stressed the importance of ensuring aid reaches those in need. Pakistan's government said it would coordinate with international partners to support the safe return of its nationals and monitor ongoing flotilla developments.
