Israel Hijacks Global Sumud Flotilla: Alma and Sirius Diverted to Ashdod Port.
Organizers report communications cut and naval encirclement; flotilla declares mission to deliver humanitarian aid will continue.
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla — notably Alma and Sirius — were reportedly hijacked and forced toward Ashdod Port by Israeli occupation forces, organizers said.
The move came as communications and live feeds from multiple ships were abruptly cut off.
Brief chronology
The convoy, made up of roughly 45 vessels from more than 40 countries, had been placed on maximum alert after reporting the approach of about 20 Israeli warships.
Organizers say an Israeli warship aggressively encircled Alma for several minutes, disrupting long-range communications and forcing its captain into emergency evasive maneuvers to avoid collision.
Activists report that similar intimidation tactics were used against Sirius before both vessels were boarded and several participants detained. The convoy was then escorted toward Ashdod in occupied territory.
Radar and internet links were severed on a number of ships; passengers described unidentified vessels drawing dangerously close and a military intervention ship directing powerful, blinding lights at the flotilla.
Organizers’ statement & flotilla status
Organizers condemned the operation as an illegal hijacking of humanitarian vessels in international waters.
They said the flotilla was located in the northern Mediterranean off the Egyptian coast — approximately 118 nautical miles (about 220 km) from occupied Palestinian territory — and vowed to press on with its mission despite the intimidation.
Marie Mesmore, a French Member of Parliament aboard Sirius, reported seeing at least two unidentified vessels dangerously close and said a military intervention ship flashed a dazzling light at them before communications via radar and internet were cut.
Launched from Spain in late August, the Global Sumud Flotilla carries baby formula, food supplies, and medical aid — a declared peaceful, non-violent effort to breach the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian assistance directly to Gaza’s besieged population.
Organizers called on governments and international bodies to demand the safety and release of those detained and to closely monitor the situation. (PW)