Israeli Naval Forces Begin Illegally Seizing Ships of the Global Sumud Fleet

Kokcha News Agency – Israeli naval forces, which have surrounded the Global Sumud Fleet, have begun illegally seizing the ships of the fleet. In a statement posted on the fleet’s official account on the social media platform X, it was announced: “Our ships are under illegal siege. Cameras have been disabled, and military personnel have boarded the ships.”

The statement also emphasized that efforts are underway to confirm the safety and status of all passengers on board.

The Global Sumud Fleet also reported that more than 20 unidentified ships have been detected within 3 nautical miles of their location.

Some participants in the fleet who are still in contact with the Anadolu Agency (AA) reported that the Israeli navy has begun targeting the fleet’s ships.

Reports indicate that the Israeli navy is individually seizing ships where activists are present.

In a live broadcast from the fleet’s YouTube account, it was observed that activists on several boats, where the live broadcast is still ongoing, are sitting on the deck with life jackets, on high alert for a possible Israeli attack.

The fleet also confirmed that the Israeli navy attacked the ship Sirius. In a post on the fleet’s Instagram account, it was stated that Israeli naval forces illegally stopped the Sirius ship and several other boats and raided them. The post also mentioned that live broadcasts and communication lines have been cut, and there is still no confirmed information about the status of the participants and crew.

Activists in contact with the Anadolu Agency reported that Israeli forces attacked the ships Alma, Sirius, and Adara, and communication with these ships has been lost. In a message sent to the families of the activists on these three ships, it was stated: “These three boats have been attacked. Please remain calm.”

The message also added: “Now is the time to turn all eyes to the fleet, pressure your embassies, and call on your governments to stop supporting Israel’s genocide.”

Carlos de Barron, a reporter for El País who is on the ship Captain Nikos, confirmed in a video posted on YouTube that Israeli forces attacked the ship. He also noted that Israeli drones are flying around the ships, and the fleet is ready to be taken to an Israeli port without resistance.

Semanur Sönmez Yaman, a Turkish activist from Press For Palestine, also confirmed that the fleet is 60 nautical miles away from Gaza.

Hüsamettin Eyüboğlu, a Turkish activist participating in the fleet, told the Anadolu Agency that they have been under intense surveillance for about three hours, and attempts are being made to determine the number of people on board. He also mentioned that communication with some boats has been lost, but the fleet continues to move toward Gaza.

Eyüboğlu added: “If Gaza is liberated, the whole world will be liberated. Gaza is now our issue, Gaza has become a global issue.”

International Reactions:

• France: Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Foreign Minister, called on Israel to ensure the safety of those on the fleet and allow them to return to France.
• Ireland: Simon Harris, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister, described the attack as a violation of international law and called for legal treatment of the activists.
• Turkey: The Turkish Foreign Ministry described the attack as a “terrorist act” and demanded the immediate release of Turkish citizens and other passengers.
• South Africa: The South African government condemned the attack as a gross violation of international law and called for respect for human rights.