Israel Intercepts Sumud Flotilla Bound for Gaza: 430 Activists Detained

The Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Turkey last week with the aim of breaking the naval blockade on Gaza, was stopped by an operation conducted by Israeli naval commandos. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that all 430 activists involved in the organization, which it described as a "PR flotilla," were transferred to Israeli ships and taken into the country. Flotilla organizers emphasized that the intervention began 270 kilometers away from the coast, in international waters.

SHARP REACTION FROM IRELAND AND ITALY: "UNACCEPTABLE"

Following the operation, a series of statements came from Europe. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin described this intervention by Israel in international waters as "absolutely unacceptable." It was alleged that activists were denied access to lawyers and consular officials, and that their families were not provided with information.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called on Israel to "urgently review the use of force" following claims by Italian activists that Israeli soldiers fired plastic bullets at the boats. Organizers reported that at least five boats were targeted during the intervention and sustained damage.

Israel's Defense: "No Lethal Methods Used" The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that, contrary to the allegations, live ammunition was not used at any stage. In the statement, it was claimed that the intervention was in accordance with international law, stating, "Following multiple warnings, non-lethal methods were used for warning purposes, directed at the ship and not at the protesters."

News Source: 12punto