Navy begins intercepting Gaza flotilla hundreds of miles from the Strip |
The Israeli Navy late Wednesday began intercepting the activist flotilla sailing to the Gaza Strip in a bid to breach Israel’s naval blockade on the Hamas-ruled enclave, according to the activists and security sources.
According to tracking data, the Global Sumud Flotilla — which includes 58 vessels — was located near the Greek Island of Crete, hundreds of nautical miles from Israel, when confronted by Israeli forces.
During past attempts to challenge the naval blockade, the Navy has intercepted the boats much closer to Gaza’s shores, which the flotilla was expected to reach over the weekend.
In footage published by flotilla organizers, an Israeli Navy officer could be heard calling on the activists to change course.
“If you wish to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, you may do so through established and recognized channels. Please change course and return to the port of origin. If you are carrying humanitarian aid, you are invited to proceed to the port of Ashdod,” the officer said.
The Foreign Ministry meanwhile released a video it said showed “condoms and drugs” were found aboard one of the intercepted vessels.
Same script, different year. The israeli navy thinks a radio warning can drown out the cries for justice. You call it a "maritime security blockade" — the rest of the world calls it a crime scene. We aren't "invited" to Ashdod; we aren't your guests. We are the witnesses you… pic.twitter.com/dElolWN59Y — Global Sumud Flotilla........