Israel intercepts Gaza-bound flotilla; crew, $110,000 medical aid abducted
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) on Wednesday said that the Israeli military intercepted its convoy to Gaza, with crew members and essential aid, including medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies for Gaza’s hospitals, were abducted, which the coalition described as an “arbitrary” and “unlawful” act, with the detainees’ whereabouts still unknown.
The FFC and Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) confirmed that three boats, Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar, and Anas Al-Sharif , were attacked and illegally intercepted by Israeli forces at around 4:34 a.m., approximately 120 nautical miles (220 km) from Gaza.
The crew aboard the intercepted boats, including doctors, journalists, and elected officials, have been abducted along with over $110,000 worth of medical and nutritional aid that was bound for Gaza’s hospitals. Their whereabouts remain unknown.
Around 5:35 a.m., eight boats, “Abd Elkarim Eid,” “Alaa Al-Najar,” “Anas Al-Sharif,” “Gaza Sunbird,” “ Leïla Khaled,” “Milad,” “Soul of My Soul,” and “Um Saad,” were intercepted by the Israeli military.
“The Conscience” remains at sea, reportedly under attack from an Israeli helicopter.
David Heap of the Canadian Boat to Gaza and FFC Steering Committee said that Israel has “no legal authority” to detain the international volunteers, calling the seizure a “blatant violation of international law” and the International Court of Justice’s binding orders requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.
The latest assault follows the illegal seizure and detention of crews on previous flotillas, including the Global Sumud, Handala, and Madleen, as well as an Israeli drone attack on the Conscience earlier this year in European waters.
On October 2, the Global Sumud Flotilla, composed of 44 boats carrying nearly 500 activists, parliamentarians, journalists, aid workers and crew, attempted to bypass Israel’s blockade and deliver food, medicine and other essential items, but were intercepted by Israeli forces as they neared Gaza.
“Israel continues to act with total impunity,” the coalition stated, accusing it of defying international law, obstructing humanitarian aid, and escalating attacks on unarmed civilians.
The Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) is an initiative coordinating 1,000 ships from multiple countries to sail together toward Gaza. The effort forms an unprecedented peaceful maritime demonstration.
Its primary goal is to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza through peaceful means, bringing international attention to the humanitarian crisis and demanding open access for aid.
The initiative also seeks to build a global coalition of civil society organizations, activists, and supporters committed to justice and human rights.
Malaysia has strongly condemned the Israeli military’s interception and attacks describing the actions on the high seas as a “blatant act of aggression” against a peaceful humanitarian mission, constituting a serious violation of international law, including maritime, humanitarian, and human rights law.
Malaysia has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all flotilla participants and urged Israel to respect their rights as humanitarian volunteers, ensuring their safety and dignity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that nine Malaysian nationals were on board and emphasized that the safety of all Malaysian citizens is a top priority.
Malaysia reiterated its full solidarity with the people of Palestine and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international efforts to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region.
Israel’s 17-year blockade turned Gaza into what the UN calls an “open-air prison,” restricting movement, food, and medicine.
On March 2, Israel announced the closure of Gaza’s main crossings, effectively cutting off food, medical, and humanitarian supplies, further deepening the crisis for 2.3 million Palestinians, a move many have described as using starvation as a weapon of war.
