Last Vessel of the Flotilla of Resilience Continues Sailing Toward Gaza
The final remaining vessel of the Global Flotilla of Resilience continued its journey early Friday morning toward the Gaza Strip, according to organizers.
This comes after Israel intercepted around forty boats and announced that their passengers would be deported to Europe.
On Thursday evening, the flotilla stated on social media that the boat Marinette “is still sailing,” though organizers acknowledged it was likely to be intercepted soon, stressing that “the crew knows what awaits them.” At 1:50 GMT, the vessel was located approximately 150 kilometers off the coast of Gaza, according to geolocation data shared on the flotilla’s website.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry warned on Thursday that “if the vessel approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and break the blockade will also be stopped.”
In an operation lasting nearly 12 hours, Israel detained over 400 activists aboard 41 flotilla vessels, an Israeli official said late Thursday. He added that “more than 400 participants were safely transferred to the port of Ashdod, where they are being questioned by Israeli police.”
The Global Flotilla of Resilience set sail in early September from Spain with around 44 ships carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from more than 40 countries. Among them were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. The flotilla carried infant formula, food supplies, and medical aid intended for Gaza, heavily affected by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Organizers insisted it was a “peaceful and non-violent mission.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday that passengers were “safe and in good health” and would be deported to Europe. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised “the professionalism and competence of naval forces” who carried out the operation during Yom Kippur.
Flotilla organizers denounced the “illegal attack on unarmed aid workers” in international waters, while Amnesty International condemned what it described as an “act of intimidation” by Israel.
In protest against their “illegal detention,” 11 Greek participants launched a hunger strike, according to organizers.
International reactions followed swiftly. Turkey accused Israel of committing a “terrorist act,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of Israel’s diplomatic mission.
Italy and Spain had already deployed naval vessels to provide protection to the flotilla during part of its journey, after it came under “drone attacks” during the night of September 23–24—an incident condemned by both the United Nations and the European Union.
A Spanish prosecutor has also opened an investigation into possible human rights violations during the interception, which may amount to crimes against humanity.
It should be noted that in June and July of this year, the Israeli navy had already intercepted two humanitarian aid vessels bound for Gaza, carrying Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, who were subsequently deported.
