Saed News: The largest European maritime fleet in support of Gaza was stopped by the Israeli army 75 miles off the coast before reaching the shores of the enclave—an action that has sparked a wave of global condemnation and widespread protests across Europe.
According to the political desk of Saed News, the spokesperson of the “Global Sumud Fleet” announced that 13 vessels from the fleet have so far been seized by the Israeli navy. Israel’s interception of several ships belonging to the humanitarian “Global Sumud Fleet” in international waters has provoked strong international reactions and sparked a wave of public protests in Europe.
The fleet, aimed at breaking the siege of Gaza and delivering food and medical aid to the residents, included more than 50 boats and 500 activists, politicians, and volunteers from 44 countries worldwide. Among the passengers were figures such as Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela, and Ada Colau.
Reports say the seizure took place on the evening of October 1, when several main ships were located 75 miles from Gaza in open waters. Activists stated that Israeli warships approached with identification systems turned off, disrupted communications, and then special forces stormed the ships using water cannons and chemical irritants. At least 12 activists—including Thunberg—were arrested and transferred to Ashdod port. Organizers called this action a “mass kidnapping” and an act of “piracy.”
Israel claims that the fleet was supported by Hamas and that the seizure was necessary to prevent the entry of “banned materials.” Human rights organizations, however, have described it as a blatant violation of maritime law and of the International Court of Justice’s orders regarding aid access to Gaza.
This marks the third Israeli seizure of similar convoys this year. The UN, European Union, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have condemned the action and called for an urgent investigation. Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, described the seizure of the fleet as a “violation of the Convention on the Law of the Sea and part of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.”
In Europe, political and public reactions have been widespread.
Spain summoned the Israeli chargé d’affaires, calling the action a breach of international law.
In Italy, trade unions announced a general strike, and port workers halted arms shipments to Israel.
In France, the “Unbowed France” party organized massive demonstrations.
In the UK, civil groups accused the government of remaining silent over the detention of British citizens.
Meanwhile, thousands of people took to the streets in Brussels, Berlin, Rome, Barcelona, Paris, and Istanbul. Protesters, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against Israel, demanded the immediate release of detainees and an end to the Gaza blockade. A large protest was also staged in front of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara against the seizure of the Sumud Fleet.
Iran’s Reaction to the Israeli Military Attack on the Sumud Fleet
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei praised the humanitarian efforts of activists and popular groups from various countries in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and in attempting to break the inhumane siege of Gaza. He described the Israeli regime’s attack on this convoy as a blatant violation of international rules and an act of terrorism.
He further pointed to the ongoing ethnic cleansing and killing of innocent people in Gaza, reiterating the legal, moral, and human responsibility of all governments to stop the genocide of Palestinians and to hold the perpetrators accountable, calling for urgent global action.
The “Sumud Fleet”: We Will Continue Without Retreat
In its second statement, the “Sumud Fleet” announced that contact had been lost with several ships and that efforts to follow up on the situation of passengers and crews were ongoing. According to the fleet’s officials, Israel’s actions in confronting and attacking ships in international waters are illegal and have targeted defenseless civilians.
The fleet called on world governments to intervene to ensure the safety of passengers and to secure the release of all detainees. The statement stressed that the fleet is currently about 70 miles off the coast of Gaza and will continue its mission without retreat.
According to the fleet’s management, the Israeli navy deliberately rammed one of the vessels and used violence against the convoy. It was also reported that high-pressure water cannons were used to target several ships.
