MEDITERRANEAN SEA – After Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted vessels
of the Global Sumud Flotilla —a peaceful, non-violent convoy carrying food, baby formula, medicine, and volunteers from 47 countries to Gaza—hundreds of participants have been abducted and reportedly taken aboard the large naval vessel, the MSC Johannesburg. This was after they were assaulted with water cannons, doused with skunk water, and had their communications systematically jammed in yet more acts of aggression against unarmed civilians.
Additionally, several boats were reportedly stopped by a chain-like barrier in international waters where Israel has no jurisdiction, just as they have no jurisdiction over Gaza’s waters and shoreline, compounding Israel’s continued war crimes and illegal blockade.
Adalah lawyers, who represent the flotilla participants before Israeli authorities, have
been given minimal updates and have not been informed on whether the estimated
443 flotilla volunteers, who were forcibly taken from their vessels, will arrive at Ashdod,
where they are expected to be processed under illegal detention.
This is an unlawful abduction, in direct violation of international law and basic human
rights. Intercepting humanitarian vessels in international waters is a war crime; denying
legal counsel and concealing the fate of those seized compounds that crime.
We demand that governments, world leaders, and international institutions
immediately intervene to secure information on the missing participants, guarantee
their safety, and demand their immediate release.
Our commitment remains clear: to break Israel’s illegal siege and end the ongoing
genocide against the Palestinian people. Every act of repression against our flotilla,
every escalation of violence in Gaza, and every attempt to suppress solidarity actions
only strengthen our resolve.
Mikeno, sailing under the French flag, may have entered Palestinian territorial waters
according to AIS data, but remains out of contact. Marinette, sailing under the Polish
flag, is still connected via Starlink and in communication, carrying a total of 6
passengers on board.
Global Sumud Flotilla, https://t.me/globalsumudflotilla/637