Israeli Forces Intercept Global "Sumud" Flotilla, Arresting Dozens of Activists
Israeli forces intercepted several boats from the Global "Sumud" Flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade on Wednesday night, arresting dozens of activists on board, including Tunisians and nationals from various countries.
Among the targeted boats was the "Deir Yassine", whose interception was confirmed by the Maghrebian Soumoud Flotilla, which described the act as "illegal". The occupation forces were accused of using violence, deliberately ramming a boat, employing water cannons, and treating peaceful militants with brutality.
According to the official page of the Maghrebian Soumoud Flotilla, the Tunisians arrested on board the "Deir Yassine" are:
- Wael Naouar
- Ghassen Henchiri
- Nabil Channoufi
- Mazen Abdellaoui
- Yassine Gaïdi
- Sirine Ghrairi
- Abdallah Messaoudi
- Aziz Miliani
- Noureddine Salouaj The crew also includes participants from Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The International Committee to Break the Gaza Blockade reported in a live update that the Israeli navy was attempting to sink the "Maria Cristina" boat and that the attack was ongoing. The situation of the crews of the intercepted ships remains "uncertain", with the occupation forces having arrested all participants. The boats were diverted to the port of Ashdod.
The legal team of the Maghrebian Soumoud Flotilla stated in a statement that the interception and capture of the boats "constitute a blatant war crime and a flagrant violation of international law". They affirmed that they are fully mobilized and will activate all necessary legal mechanisms in coordination with international organizations.
Nearly thirty Tunisians, including journalists, political figures, activists, and deputies, are participating in this flotilla, which brings together 532 participants from over 45 countries on around 50 boats that set sail from Spain, Italy, and Tunisia.
In reaction, support protests have taken place in Tunis, Barcelona, Istanbul, Berlin, Brussels, and several Italian cities to protest against the crimes of the Israeli entity and its violations of international law.
