Israeli navy intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla vessels heading to Gaza

Israeli forces have begun intercepting vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla that were heading toward Gaza, according to Reuters and other outlets.

Reuters reported that the ships were intercepted in international waters near Greece. The flotilla said some vessels were approached or boarded and that communications were jammed.

Greenpeace International said its Arctic Sunrise crew received a radio warning identifying the Israeli Navy and then experienced jamming in international waters west of Kythira. EFE and The Jerusalem Post also reported that flotilla members said Israeli vessels were closing in on the fleet.

The confrontation adds to an already tense maritime standoff over aid ships bound for Gaza. Israel’s defense ministry had previously said a fundraising campaign linked to the flotilla was organized by Hamas and imposed sanctions on it.

For now, the main unanswered questions are how many vessels have been boarded or seized, whether any passengers have been detained and where they are being taken. The flotilla and Israeli authorities have given sharply different accounts of the mission’s purpose.

The situation remains active and could change quickly as more boats approach the area.