Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers have seized control of the Sumud Flotilla vessels off the coast of Cyprus, Israeli media reported. A livestream, broadcast by the Times of Israel, shows Israeli navy commandos boarding one of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels off the coast of Cyprus.
Shortly before, the Israeli Foreign Ministry on X, referring to the new mission of the Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Turkey with around 50 ships, had stated: « Once again, a provocation for its own sake: another so-called 'humanitarian aid flotilla' without any humanitarian aid . This time, two violent Turkish groups – Mavi Marmara and IHH, the latter designated as a terrorist organization – are part of the provocation». «Israel will not allow any violation of the legitimate naval blockade of Gaza and calls on all participants in this provocation to change course and turn back immediately», added the ministry.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said it lost contact with one of its vessels after Israeli intervention. "Two warships were spotted near the vessels in the Mediterranean. We have lost contact with one of our vessels, which was harassed by the Israeli army," the flotilla's crisis unit said, as reported by Anadolu. It added that "the Israeli navy is attacking the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters."
"Two of the eight boats flying the Italian flag have certainly already been intercepted, and some of the 35 Italians on board have already been arrested, at least seven or eight," said Maria Elena Delia, spokesperson for Italy for the Global Sumud Flotilla, during the demonstration organized by USB currently underway in Rome near Termini station. "What strikes us is that they are acting for the first time in broad daylight, in the morning; it's something that has never happened before. Obviously, we fear that those arrested will be taken to Israel," Delia added.
(Unioneonline)