The Israeli navy intercepted a nine-boat flotilla making an attempt to interrupt Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza early Wednesday within the Mediterranean Sea and detained scores of activists on board, the flotilla organizers and the Israeli International Ministry mentioned.
The ministry mentioned the 145 activists collaborating within the Freedom Flotilla Coalition & Thousand Madleens to Gaza, have been in good well being and have been being dropped at shore in Israel for processing earlier than they’re deported.
International Affairs Minister Anita Anand mentioned Wednesday the federal government was conscious of six Canadians who’re detained in Israel. She mentioned International Affairs Canada was in contact with Israeli authorities and providing consular companies to the Canadians.
“Canada urges Israel to make sure the security of our residents and to facilitate their swift launch,” she mentioned in a social media publish on X.
The interception got here after almost 450 activists from a earlier, high-profile flotilla — including European lawmakers and climate activist Greta Thunberg — have been intercepted on greater than 40 boats final week making an attempt to achieve Gaza with a symbolic quantity of humanitarian support. Two Canadians were among those detained from that earlier flotilla, Ottawa confirmed.
Whereas many of the activists of the International Sumud Flotilla have been deported, six of them — from Norway, Morocco and Spain — stay detained in Israel, legal professionals representing them mentioned late Tuesday.
The most recent flotilla making an attempt to achieve Gaza
The organizers of this newest flotilla decried the brand new detentions on Wednesday as “arbitrary and illegal.”
The activists on board the nine-vessel group included medical doctors, at the least one member of the European parliament and several other nationwide lawmakers from Turkey, Denmark, France and Belgium.
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A passenger checklist posted on the flotilla’s web site additionally exhibits two Israeli residents have been on board their largest boat, the Conscience. The flotilla was carrying some meals and medical support destined for Gaza hospitals.
“One other futile try to breach the authorized naval blockade and enter a fight zone led to nothing,” the International Ministry wrote on X.
Organizers mentioned the fleet was intercepted round 120 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. Cameras aboard the vessels, one massive passenger ship and eight smaller sailboats, broadcast the interceptions stay.
The boats could possibly be seen being approached by fast-moving ships after which boarded by Israeli troops, who then minimize off the printed. Activists additionally mentioned an Israeli helicopter flew over them. No accidents have been reported.
Israeli interceptions spark condemnation
Turkey strongly condemned and known as Israel’s newest interception in worldwide waters an “act of piracy.” Its International Ministry mentioned Wednesday it was a critical violation of worldwide legislation and accused Israel of escalating tensions and undermining peace efforts.
Turkey has launched diplomatic efforts to safe the instant launch and secure return of its residents and was coordinating with different nations relating to the standing of different activists, the assertion mentioned.
The interceptions final week of the International Sumud Flotilla drew widespread condemnation and sparked massive protests in a number of main cities and a one-day strike throughout Italy.
Among the deported activists had described mistreatment by the hands of Israeli guards, claims that Israel denies.
Late on Tuesday, dozens of parliamentarians from Turkey and European nations — together with Cyprus, Belgium, Spain and Italy — issued a joint assertion condemning Israel’s interception of the International Sumud Flotilla and demanded the instant launch of the remaining detained activists.
The assertion described the convoy as peaceable and a civilian initiative, and appealed for upholding worldwide legislation.
The flotillas to Gaza got here amid surging criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, the place its offensive within the struggle in opposition to Hamas has laid waste large swaths of territory and killed tens of hundreds of individuals.
Negotiations underway in Egypt
Additionally Wednesday, Israel and Hamas resumed oblique negotiations within the Egyptian resort of Sharm Al-Sheikh, together with high-level leaders from worldwide delegations, together with america, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
The struggle was triggered by the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The militants killed some 1,200 those who day, whereas 251 others have been kidnapped. Forty-eight hostages are nonetheless held in Gaza — round 20 believed to be alive.
Israel’s ensuing marketing campaign has killed greater than 67,000 Palestinians, in response to Gaza’s Well being Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and militants in its toll. The ministry, which is a part of the Hamas-run authorities and whose figures are considered by consultants as essentially the most dependable estimate, has mentioned ladies and youngsters make up round half the useless.
Israel has maintained various levels of blockade on the Gaza Strip since Hamas seized energy within the coastal territory in 2007, saying it’s essential to comprise the militant group. Critics deride the coverage as collective punishment.
After the struggle began, Israel tightened the blockade however eased up later underneath U.S. strain. In March, it sealed the territory off from all meals, drugs and different items for two 1/2 months, contributing to Gaza’s slide into famine.
Flotilla activists say they wish to break Israel’s blockade and set up a humanitarian hall by sea, given the little support that reaches Gaza by land. They’ve vowed to strive once more.
Brito reported from Barcelona, Spain. Related Press author Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
—Extra information from International Information
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