According to the Anadolu agency, tension is rising in the eastern Mediterranean as dozens of aid ships edge closer to Gaza, with Israel preparing what could become one of the largest naval interceptions in years.
“More than 50 ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla have entered Israel’s interception range and are roughly 150 miles from Gaza,” Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported Tuesday. “The Israeli Navy continues preparations to seize the ships at sea,” it added.
Onboard the vessels are hundreds of activists and volunteers from around the world, carrying food, medical supplies, and messages of solidarity for Gaza’s 2.4 million residents, many of whom have endured nearly two years of relentless bombardment and an 18 year blockade. Organizers say the flotilla represents not just a delivery of aid but an act of defiance against what they call “collective punishment.”
“I joined because I couldn’t just sit and watch children starve,” said one activist via satellite phone before communications became patchy. “We know the risks, but the world must not look away.”
Israeli media said the navy is preparing to forcibly remove the activists to a large warship before towing the smaller vessels to Ashdod Port. KAN noted that due to the number of ships involved, “some may sink during the operation,” raising fears of a repeat of past deadly confrontations at sea.
Israel’s political leadership has reportedly instructed commanders that the flotilla must not be allowed to enter Gaza “under any circumstances.” Officials argue that the ships could be used to smuggle weapons, despite organizers insisting their cargo is purely humanitarian.
Amnesty International has urged Israel to protect the convoy, warning that the use of violence against unarmed activists would breach international law. “The world is watching,” the rights group said in a statement, calling for safe passage.
For Gazans, the sight of ships approaching offers a rare glimmer of hope. “Maybe this time the medicine will reach us,” said Amina, a mother of four sheltering in Rafah. “We are surviving on almost nothing.”
As the flotilla sails closer, the waters off Gaza are set to become the stage of another showdown, one that could either deliver relief or deepen despair in a territory long cut off from the world. See, More, Here>>>
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