The tension in the Mediterranean has taken a new leap this Thursday after the a humanitarian mission bound for the Gaza Strip, denounced the interception of several of its vessels by Israeli forces.
According to the organization’s own tracker, at least eleven ships would have been intercepted in international waters near Greece, after communication with those ships was lost for hours. He had left days before with the aim of delivering aid to the Palestinian population.
“They have illegally surrounded the flotilla”
The organization denounced direct action by Israel on the high seas. “Israeli military vessels have illegally surrounded the Flotilla in international waters and threatened kidnappings and violence”they said in a statement.
The incidents would have occurred in the maritime area between the Peloponnese peninsula and the island of Crete, where, according to activists, “suspicious drones and military ships” before losing contact with several vessels.
Hours before, Israeli media had already pointed to the interception of part of the mission, although with different figures, placing the number of ships detained at seven.
Israel speaks of “provocative flotilla”
The Israeli version differs radically. The Israeli ambassador to the UN confirmed the operation on social networks, but justified his country’s actions. “Another provocative flotilla was intercepted before arriving,” he said.
Danon also defended the role of Israeli forces, saying they acted with “professionalism and determination in confronting a group of delusional agitators seeking attention.”
A humanitarian mission in the spotlight
The Sumud Global Flotilla had set sail last Sunday from the Italian port of Augusta with the intention to cross the Mediterranean and reach
Its members now demand international intervention. They demand that governments “act now” to protect the mission and ask “responsibilities to Israel” for what they consider “flagrant violations of international law.”
The incident once again puts the spotlight on maritime control around Gaza and adds a new episode of tension to a scenario already marked by conflict and diplomatic disputes in the region.
