Israeli forces have launched an assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy sailing to break the blockade of Gaza, and have begun arresting volunteers on board.
According to British media, the flotilla came under attack as soon as it entered Gaza’s territorial waters. Armed Israeli forces stormed several of the flotilla’s vessels, with organizers confirming that communications were cut off during the raid and Israeli troops forced their way onto the ships.
Initial reports indicate that two vessels of the flotilla have already been seized by the Israeli navy. Live transmissions from the convoy also ceased following the assault.
The Global Sumud Flotilla consists of more than 40 boats carrying over 500 people, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Its mission is to break Israel’s longstanding blockade on Gaza and deliver aid.
One of the vessels also carries Pakistani Senator and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mushtaq Ahmed Khan. Al Jazeera reported that upon entering Gaza’s waters, around 50 Israeli naval warships encircled the flotilla before launching the operation.
