Israeli navy boards Gaza-bound flotilla

Israeli naval forces have boarded vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla late Wednesday night, as the civilian-led convoy attempted to breach the naval blockade to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The flotilla, comprising over 50 boats and more than 500 activists from 44 countries, had entered the designated high-risk zone earlier in the day. Organizers reported that Israeli warships surrounded several vessels, before initiating boarding procedures.

Live broadcasts from onboard were disrupted, with activists reporting electronic jamming and engine interference. A state of emergency was declared as warships approached within meters of the flotilla.

The Israeli government had previously warned the convoy to halt its journey, offering alternative ports such as Ashkelon and Cyprus for aid delivery. Despite this, the flotilla continued toward Gaza, citing the urgency of the humanitarian crisis.

International reactions have been swift. Amnesty International and several UN officials called for restraint and protection of civilians. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned any attack on the convoy as a potential “crime against humanity.” Twenty U.S. lawmakers also urged diplomatic protection for the flotilla.

Ibrahim Shaz of the International Aid Campaign (IAC) Maldives has been providing real-time updates from an observer vessel, documenting the mission’s final hours before interception.

According to trackers, flotilla vessels Alma, Adara and Sirius have been intercepted around midnight. All others appeared to be sailing on, when the vessel Yulara got intercepted close to an hour past midnight.

The full extent of the boarding and any detentions remains unclear as communications from several vessels are still disrupted.