Israel has intercepted several humanitarian aid boats from the Sumud Flotilla that were en route to Gaza, according to reports from Israeli radio and a statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla. Military sources indicate that speedboats identified as part of the Israeli army halted the flotilla, reportedly directing lasers and semi-automatic weapons at the crew. The crew members were ordered to position themselves at the front of the vessels and get on all fours.
Pau Pérez, a crew member of the vessel Venus, described a chaotic scene, stating that they observed numerous lights and drones, which led to a loss of communication among many boats. He noted that the Israeli forces intercepted the leading boats of the flotilla and that shots were fired, although it remains unclear whether they were intended as warnings or aimed at individuals. Pérez emphasized that the boats were in international waters near Crete, placing them outside of Israel’s jurisdiction.
The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Barcelona on April 15th, consisting of 39 vessels aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
