Israel Intercepts Sumud Flotilla Ships After Italian, Spanish, and Turkish Forces Withdraw

International Waters (QNN)- Israeli naval forces stormed two ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla on Wednesday, kidnapping participants and redirecting the convoy to Ashdod port.

The raid came hours after Italy, Spain, and Turkey withdrew their military escorts and surveillance drones, leaving the humanitarian flotilla exposed.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said commandos boarded the ships Alma and Sirius and began taking control.

Earlier, about 20 Israeli warships surrounded the flotilla. Organizers reported that communications were cut as the assault began.

In a morning statement, the flotilla said Israeli warships harassed Alma and Sirius with dangerous maneuvers and blinding lights, forcing captains to take evasive action.

French lawmaker Marie Mesure, onboard Sirius, said she witnessed at least two unidentified vessels, one of which approached dangerously close. “They used a powerful light against us and cut radar and internet communications,” she said.

The Global Sumud Flotilla left Spain in late August with 45 boats carrying hundreds of pro-Palestine and anti-genocide activists from more than 40 countries.

The mission included South African politician Mandela Mandela, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, French MEP Rima Hassan, and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.

Organizers said the ships carried baby formula, food, and medical supplies. They described the effort as peaceful and aimed at breaking Israel’s siege on Gaza.

But Israel accused the flotilla of attempting to breach its naval blockade, claiming that it is affiliated with Hamas.

On September 30, Italy ended its naval escort of the flotilla, halting at the 150-nautical-mile line that Israel declared off-limits. Rome urged participants to abandon the mission.

Spain followed suit on October 1. Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the Spanish warship Furor would track the flotilla but not intervene unless “absolutely necessary.”

Earlier the same day, Turkey’s Akinci drone providing aerial cover left the area around 01:45 UTC.

The withdrawals left the flotilla without international protection when Israel launched its assault.

The flotilla had already faced multiple drone strikes and firebomb attacks in September. Activists said Israel was trying to intimidate them into turning back.

Despite the risks, flotilla leaders vowed to continue until aid reaches Gaza, where more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.

“This mission is peaceful, non-violent, and urgent,” the group said. “The people of Gaza are starving and under siege. We cannot stop.”