ISTANBUL, April 30 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The Israeli navy intercepted vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters late Wednesday as they headed toward Gaza to break a blockade on the enclave, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli military boats surrounded the convoy in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, adding that communications were jammed and contact was lost with 11 vessels.
It said Israeli naval forces were alongside the boats and pointing weapons at those on board, stressing that “the Israeli navy cannot silence voices demanding justice.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla also called on governments to act to protect its vessels and hold Israel accountable.
The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, aims to break Israel’s blockade and open a humanitarian corridor by sea.
The move came hours after media reported that Israel was preparing to intercept the flotilla, which includes around 100 boats in total carrying nearly 1,000 activists from several countries.
Israel has imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, leaving about 1.5 million Palestinians out of roughly 2.4 million homeless after their homes were destroyed during the war.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
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