The Israeli military has intercepted and dismantled an entire humanitarian flotilla that sought to break the siege of the Gaza enclave.
The army intercepted the flotilla, which consisted of 44 ships, on international waters between Wednesday and Thursday.
According to the Israeli government, the navy intercepted the last aid flotilla vessel on Friday morning about 42.5 nautical miles (79 km) from Gaza.
It also detained those aboard, while that vessel was led to Ashdod port in Israel.
The flotilla, which sailed in late August, aimed to bring food, medicine, and other essential supplies to Palestinians to ease the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza under Israel’s blockade.
This marked the latest attempt by activists to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the enclave, almost two years into Israel’s siege of Gaza.
Currently, hundreds of activists have been arrested.
A livestream video showed Israeli forces forcing their way on board the last vessel on Friday morning. The Polish-flagged Marinette reportedly has a crew of six.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli naval forces had now “illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels—each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.”
“Communications are cut, and the status of participants is unknown. Governments and international bodies must demand their safety and release immediately,” it added.
However, Israel has dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt.
The foreign ministry stated that participants had been warned that they were entering an active combat zone and attempting to breach what Israel describes as a “lawful naval blockade.”
The ministry also said it had urged the organisers to alter course and offered to deliver the aid to Gaza through established channels instead.
It further noted that four Italians had been deported, adding that the rest are in the process of being deported.
Israel’s action has, however, attracted the condemnation of several world leaders.
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The Colombian government on Thursday announced that it was expelling Israeli diplomats in light of Israel’s actions.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro also stated that the country would suspend its free trade agreement with Israel.
European nations – including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, and Ireland – have also called on Israel to respect the rights of the crew members it seized.
