Occupation forces intercept Freedom Flotilla ships off the coast of Greece

Informed sources from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported today, Monday, that boats belonging to the occupation forces began intercepting the path of ships participating in the 'Global Resilience Flotilla' campaign while they were sailing in international waters off the Greek coast. This military action comes within the framework of efforts to obstruct the arrival of aid convoys, which primarily aim to break the suffocating siege imposed on the Gaza Strip for many years.

The organizers of the flotilla condemned this move, describing it as a 'desperate attempt' by the occupation authorities to impose a policy of starvation and prevent the arrival of vital supplies to the residents of the Strip. The coalition also stressed in a statement that targeting civilian ships in international waters constitutes a grave violation of international treaties and maritime laws that guarantee freedom of movement for humanitarian missions, holding the occupation fully responsible for the safety of volunteers on board the ships.

Observers believe that this naval escalation places the occupation government in a new diplomatic predicament with the international community, especially with European countries, foremost among them Greece, near whose coasts the incident occurred. These developments coincide with increasing global popular and human rights pressures demanding the opening of safe and sustainable corridors for the entry of medical and food aid into Gaza amid the worsening humanitarian crisis there.

In a related context, this interception comes at a time when the Eastern Mediterranean is witnessing increasing tensions, which complicates the maritime and political landscape in the region in general. The organizers of the Resilience Flotilla affirm that these threats will not deter them from continuing their humanitarian mission, noting that international solidarity with the Palestinian cause is growing despite all attempts at intimidation and prevention practiced by the occupation in the open sea.

Targeting aid convoys in international waters represents a blatant violation of maritime laws and a desperate attempt to maintain the siege on Gaza.