Israeli Navy intercepts last remaining vessel of Global Sumud Flotilla near Gaza

The final vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Polish-flagged yacht Marinette, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces on the morning of October 3, approximately 42.5 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. This marked the end of the flotilla’s attempt to deliver humanitarian aid and break the blockade on the Gaza Strip.

The flotilla, which initially consisted of 44 vessels carrying aid and volunteers, was fully intercepted over a 38-hour period by Israeli forces, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The Marinette, delayed earlier due to engine trouble and trailing behind the main group, was seized after approaching Gaza’s territorial waters despite prior warnings from Israeli authorities.

Livestream footage showed Israeli forces boarding the Marinette as the crew attempted to navigate closer to Gaza. The International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza reported that several detainees have begun an open-ended hunger strike following their arrest.

Israeli media confirmed that the flotilla was stopped by the Israeli 13th Fleet, with warnings issued to the crew that they would be arrested if they continued toward Gaza’s coast.

The Global Sumud Flotilla condemned the interceptions, describing Israel’s blockade of Gaza as illegal and reaffirming their mission to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the blockade.

By Sabina Mammadli