Israeli Navy Shadows Global Convoy to Break Gaza Siege
International Waters (QNN)- The lead ship of the Global Convoy to Break the Gaza Siege, Alma, restored communication after a brief blackout on Tuesday. The interruption came when an Israeli naval vessel sailed within five feet of Alma.
Witnesses said the Israeli ship jammed communication systems across several vessels and disabled one engine before moving away. The convoy then resumed its course toward Gaza.
Activists on Alma threw their phones into the sea. They followed fleet protocol, which requires the step once interception is confirmed, to protect private data. A warship was spotted close to the ship.
The convoy leadership also confirmed raising the alert level again after detecting unidentified ships with no lights approaching. Drones were also seen flying above the fleet.
Earlier, the convoy, now less than 118 nautical miles from Gaza, had lowered its alert. Activists at that time ruled out an imminent Israeli attack. But fleet managers later received intelligence of an Israeli warship leaving Ashdod Port and heading toward them.
Yasemin Acar, a member of the fleet’s leadership, said attempts to jam their systems continue. She warned that an Israeli attack or interception could happen within hours. Acar compared the situation to the earlier interception of the Mavi Marmara.
The Italian navy also sent a warship that issued warnings and offered to take passengers back. Fleet organizers rejected the move, calling it an attempt to sabotage their humanitarian mission.
Italy and Spain had already sent ships last week to accompany the convoy after it came under drone attacks near Greek waters. Activists said drones dropped sound bombs and irritant chemicals to disrupt the journey.
The Global Convoy includes the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the International Gaza Movement, the Solidarity Caravan, and the Malaysian group Nusantara Resilience. More than 500 activists from 40 countries are sailing aboard 50 ships.
This is the first time in history that dozens of vessels have sailed together toward Gaza. The coastal enclave holds 2.2 million people and has lived under an Israeli blockade for 18 years.
