Israeli Navy Attacks Gaza-Bound “Thamud Flotilla”, Arrests Aid Worker And Journalist

 Flotilla spokesman Saif Abu Kashk confirmed to Al Jazeera that Israeli forces have blocked the internet and communication systems of several boats. Abu Kashk said that Israeli soldiers have boarded some of the boats, while videos received show that dangerous operations are being carried out on the boats. He said that all this is part of the Israeli government’s policy through which the population of Gaza is being subjected to hunger and famine. According to eyewitnesses and flotilla organizers, Israeli soldiers have detained all those on board one boat, including aid workers and foreign journalists. In addition, live broadcasts of all boats of the “Samoud Flotilla” have also been stopped, which has made communication around the world difficult.

Last night, the flagship ship “Alma” was surrounded by an Israeli warship for several minutes, during which the captain had to rescue the ship from a dangerous maneuver, while the ship’s communication system was severely affected. Similarly, the ship “Serius” also faced a siege for 15 minutes. At that time, according to the flotilla organizers, the convoy was 90 nautical miles from Gaza by Wednesday afternoon and its goal was to reach the Gaza coast on Thursday morning. The convoy includes more than 40 boats and about 500 people, including Italian politician and well-known environmental activist Greta Thunberg. On the other hand, Italy and Greece have called on Israel to ensure the safety of all aid workers and have suggested that if aid is to be provided, it should be distributed via Cyprus. Israel maintains that the flotilla is a “Hamas operation,” but no evidence has been provided for this allegation. It should be remembered that similar convoys were stopped in June and July of this year and several world-renowned social activists were arrested. 

International flotilla calls for protests worldwide after Israeli attack After  
the Israeli navy attacked and the arrest of aid workers, the International flotilla has called on Palestinian supporters to hold protests worldwide.
The message on social media said: “Israel has started attacking our convoy, now it is time for the world to respond to Israel.” The statement added that protests should not only be held outside embassies and parliaments, but also in front of the offices of companies that are involved in the “Palestinian genocide” with Israel.
Reaction in Europe Immediately after
the Greek flotilla’s call, people in Greece took to the streets and chanted slogans against Israeli aggression. A large number of citizens protested in the Italian capital Rome, the protesters held Palestinian flags and condemned the attack on the aid ships. Large-scale rallies were also held in Istanbul, Turkey . Turkish protesters held a sit-in near the Israeli consulate and held banners that read “End the siege of Gaza.” The organizers of the international Samud flotilla have said that the international community must now break its silence and take practical action against Israeli atrocities. It should be noted that the Israeli navy raided and seized several Samud flotilla boats and detained the workers and journalists on board and transferred them to an Israeli port. Israeli authorities claim that all people are safe, however, flotilla organizers say that live broadcasts have been cut off and there are serious concerns about the safety of the workers.
Hamas: Attack on Samood flotilla and arrest of activists is state terrorism 

The Palestinian resistance organization Hamas has described Israel’s attack on the Global Sea Flotilla carrying aid and the arrest of human rights activists as “piracy” and “terrorism.” A Hamas spokesman said in a statement that Israeli forces targeted the ships carrying human rights activists and journalists. The move is a “crime against humanity” and will further increase the outrage and anger of people around the world. The organization demanded that the United Nations and the international community fulfill their “legal and moral duties” and strongly condemn Israel’s crime. Hamas urged that practical measures be taken to ensure the immediate safety of the aid workers and ships. It should be remembered that the flotilla departed from Spain on August 31, after which more ships and convoys from different countries joined it. Currently, the convoy includes dozens of boats and about 500 workers and volunteers, including human rights activists, politicians and journalists. According to international media reports, the Israeli navy stopped several boats about **90 nautical miles** from the Gaza border and detained the people on board. These people include world-renowned human rights activists and journalists. Hamas says that this Israeli action is not only an attempt to further tighten the economic and humanitarian blockade against the Palestinian people, but also a serious violation of international law and human rights.