Tensions rise as Israel storms humanitarian flotilla near Gaza

(Web Desk): The Israeli military attacked the Global Samood flotilla delivering aid to Gaza.

According to flotilla organizers, Israeli forces boarded one of the ships in the convoy and took all personnel into custody.

Earlier, the flotilla’s organizers had declared a state of emergency onboard their vessels. In an audio message sent from his ship, Thiago Ovila, a member of the flotilla’s steering committee, said: “We are entering a decisive phase of our mission. At this moment, we are approaching their (Israel’s) naval blockade.”

He added that “a large number of Israeli ships are present here, which corresponds to reports by Israel’s Foreign Ministry and media that tonight our mission will be stopped unlawfully, despite our aim being to break the siege and establish a humanitarian corridor.”

An Arab journalist onboard the flotilla said that at least 12 suspected Israeli vessels were approximately 4 nautical miles away, though it is unclear whether they were moving toward the flotilla or merely stationed as an obstruction. According to Arab media, the flotilla previously posted on its website that its fleet is now 118 nautical miles from Gaza—just 8 miles from the point where, in June, the Israeli military seized the aid ship Mardin.

From a flotilla ship, Turkish team member Zain al‑Abidin Özkan told the Turkish news agency that drones had flown over the flotilla all night, and around 5 a.m., the GPS and internet systems of the central vessel “Alma” were subjected to a cyberattack and communication was severed.

Matihan Sari, a Turkish activist aboard the Alma, said: “This was the greatest harassment we have faced so far. They attempted to intimidate us, but we weren’t afraid—and we told them we would not be afraid.” According to him, the Israeli warship had approached to within 5–10 meters of Alma.

Global human rights organization Amnesty International has called for protection of the Global Samood flotilla. In a statement, Amnesty said: “The perpetual inaction of states has compelled activists worldwide to take nonviolent action to break the siege. States have a duty to guarantee a safe passage for the flotilla. They must escalate pressure to protect the fleet, end Israel’s genocide of Palestinians, and permanently end its unlawful blockade.”

Notably, former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan is reported to be aboard this flotilla heading toward Gaza.