Group brings together about 50 vessels trying to pierce Israeli block in Palestinian territory to bring humanitarian aid
At least 10 Brazilians and an Argentine resident in the are among people captured on Wednesday (1) by informs a . The group, which is part of the flotilha, brings together about 50 vessels that try to pierce the blockade Taking humanitarian aid: food, drinking water, medicines and toys. Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, and federal deputy Luizianne Lins (PT-CE) were aboard the humanitarian flotilla intercepted by Israel on their way to Gaza on Wednesday (1st).
In the list of Brazilians are:
- Ariadne Catarina Cardoso Teles
- MAGNO DE CARVALHO COSTA
- Luizianne de Oliveira Lins
- Gabrielle da Silva Tolotti
- Bruno Sperb Rocha
- Mariana Conti Takahashi
- Thiago de Ávila e Silva Oliveira
- Lucas Farias Gusmão
- Mohamad Sami El Kadri
- Lisiane Proença Severo
- Nicolas Calabrese (Argentine, with Italian citizenship, resident in Brazil)
The Brazilian delegation that participates in the flotilla is made up of 17 members. In all, more than 500 people, from different nationalities, joined the protest that identifies itself as a peaceful and nonviolent action against genocide in Gaza. Until 8:30 pm on Wednesday, at least 178 members had been captured by Israeli forces. Among them, the environmentalist Greta Thunberg, according to Flotilha.
In a statement, Amnesty International in Brazil says that the capture of vessels is illegal. “No rule of international law authorizes attacks on vessels in free navigation in international waters. Flotilha’s mission is peaceful, humanitarian and legal.” The note also charges the countries that the safe passage of the flotilla is guaranteed until the arrival in Gaza for the delivery of humanitarian aid items.
In São Paulo, activists, friends, family of detained Brazilians began a vigil at Al Janiah, the city’s famous concert hall, founded by Palestinian refugees. They also charge government support so that Brazilians are kept safe and ask for the breakdown of trade relations with Israel.
Interception
Earlier, International Flotilha reported in social media posts that it was suffering aggressions from Israeli forces. A live video broadcast from one of the flotilla boats showed passengers with life jackets sitting on the deck, according to Reuters agency. Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that her navy contacted the flotilla to warn that she was approaching an active combat zone and violating a legal blockade, asking them to change the course.
Flotilha says in messages on social networks that vessels were intercepted “illegally in international waters”. “Live broadcasts and communications have been cut. The situation of members and crew is still without information. This is an illegal attack on humanitarian and unmanned action. We are in contact with international authorities and institutions to request the safety and release of members,” he says.
In Network X, the Israeli ministry stated that the flotilla boats were “safely approached” and that passengers “are being transferred to an Israeli port,” according to Reuters. This is the latest maritime attempt to break the Israeli block to Gaza, where most of the territory was reduced to a wasteland after almost two years of war. The flotilla expected to arrive in Gaza on the morning of Thursday, if not intercepted.
*With information from Agência Brasil
