Despite 22 Ships Intercepted.. The Flotilla of Steadfastness Continues to Defy the Siege and Sail Towards Gaza

Tensions are escalating in the Mediterranean Sea after Israeli occupation forces intercepted ships of the 'Steadfastness' flotilla heading to break the siege on the Gaza Strip. Sources reported that the operation targeted civilian ships carrying international solidarity activists and humanitarian aid, sparking a wave of accusations against the occupation for engaging in 'maritime piracy' against a peaceful civilian movement.

Gore Tsabar, spokesperson for the Flotilla of Steadfastness, confirmed that the occupation authorities detained 22 ships out of the total flotilla, considering this action a clear reflection of Israeli fear of the growing international movement. Tsabar stressed that the interception operations carried out on the high seas lack any legal cover and constitute a blatant violation of international conventions protecting navigation in international waters.

Despite these repressive measures, the spokesperson explained that 31 ships are still continuing their journey out of 55 that participated in the initial launch, indicating that their resolve has not been broken. He also noted the existence of more than 200 land-based support activities for the flotilla in various countries around the world, confirming that the movement for Gaza is expanding geographically and popularly despite attempts at prevention and intimidation.

Organizers revealed details of the attack, with sources reporting that Israeli forces attacked the ships in international waters more than 500 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. The operation included deliberately disabling ship engines and jamming communication devices, as well as detaining a large number of activists and leaving others at sea under harsh weather conditions and the approach of a strong storm.

For his part, Youssef Ajissa, head of the International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza, described what happened as 'full-fledged state terrorism' targeting unarmed solidarity activists. Ajissa pointed out that about 175 activists were forcibly taken to the occupied Palestinian territories, while some boats remained stranded due to technical malfunctions caused by the attack, and other boats are attempting to reorganize near Greek waters.

Ajissa clarified that the primary goal of this unprecedented escalation is to break the will of international solidarity activists and prevent them from exposing the extent of crimes committed in the Gaza Strip. He warned of the lack of confirmed information about the fate and health conditions of the detainees, calling on concerned governments and the international community to act immediately to ensure their safety and unconditional release.

In a related context, Marika Stam, coordinator of the Dutch delegation, confirmed a complete loss of communication with the activists after receiving initial signals of Israeli military intervention. Stam said that the information currently available is very scarce, but coordination between the participating delegations is still ongoing through alternative channels to discuss the next steps and the possibility of developing a new sailing plan that overcomes the current obstacles.

On the political front, the Dutch coordinator noted the absence of a clear official stance from her country's government so far, despite individual contact from some parliamentarians. She stressed that the participating international delegations prioritize humanitarian goals above all other considerations, affirming that the flotilla will continue its moral mission towards those besieged in Gaza, no matter the sacrifices.

Detention of the Flotilla of Steadfastness ships reflects Israeli fear of the scale of the civilian movement, and interception on the high seas constitutes illegal piracy.