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The Israeli military has intercepted the Alma, a vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla, as the convoy attempted to break the blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
According to flotilla organizers, Israeli forces stormed the ship in international waters, forcing activists and crew to cut engines before boarding. Reports indicate that communication systems were jammed, and live broadcasts from the ship went offline soon after the operation began.
The Alma is one of more than 40 vessels in the flotilla, carrying over 500 international activists from more than 45 countries. Among them are rights advocates, politicians, journalists, and peace activists, who maintain the mission is strictly humanitarian.
Eyewitness accounts describe Israeli naval personnel surrounding the ships with speedboats and warning them to divert toward Ashdod port for inspection. The Israeli government has defended the operation, saying it is enforcing its maritime blockade to prevent weapons smuggling into Gaza.
Activists, however, accuse Israel of violating international law by intercepting a peaceful convoy in international waters. They argue that the flotilla carries only food, medicine, and essential supplies for civilians trapped in Gaza under blockade.
The interception has raised global concerns, with human rights groups and several governments monitoring the situation closely. Observers fear the confrontation may escalate, recalling the deadly 2010 Gaza flotilla raid.
As of now, the fate of the Alma and other ships remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that Israeli forces may tow the vessels to Israeli-controlled ports. Organizers have demanded the immediate release of all participants and safe passage to Gaza.
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