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The Global Sumud Flotilla announced Wednesday that vessels not intercepted by Israeli military continue sailing toward Gaza, now 60 nautical miles from the Palestinian territory's coast, even as Israeli military boarded multiple ships in international waters.
Israeli military intercepted and boarded at least three vessels - the Alma, Sirius and Adara - around 8:30 p.m. Gaza time, approximately 60 nautical miles from Gaza's shore. The crew of the Alma was confirmed detained by Israeli military, while the status of participants aboard other intercepted vessels remains under monitoring.
Prior to the boardings, Israeli warships deliberately disrupted ship communications to prevent distress calls and halt live broadcasts of the operation, flotilla organizers said. Communications were lost with several vessels beyond those confirmed intercepted.
The flotilla's first radio contact with Israeli military occurred when the convoy was 69 nautical miles from Gaza, according to flotilla records. Israeli military demanded route changes via radio, warning they would "stop your ship and begin seizure procedures."
Israeli military claimed the blockade-breaking attempt violated international law and insisted humanitarian aid could only be delivered through their designated channels, while also broadcasting psychological pressure messages referencing Oct. 7.
Despite the coordinated Israeli operation against multiple vessels, flotilla organizers emphasized that non-intercepted ships continue their humanitarian mission toward Gaza. The convoy, comprised of activists, doctors, lawyers, journalists and politicians from 44 countries, carries medical supplies and other humanitarian aid.
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus had expressed hope earlier that "Israel would not commit such madness" against the flotilla operating in international waters. Turkish activist Dilek Tekocak, aboard the Sirius vessel, had reported Israeli ships were "10 minutes away" before communications were severed.
The flotilla represents the largest convoy to attempt reaching Gaza, with "Sumud" - the Arabic word for steadfastness - symbolizing Palestinian resistance and the determination to remain on ancestral lands through non-violent means.
Israeli and Palestinian airspace was closed following the maritime operation, while the flotilla called the action "an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarian workers in international waters."
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