A HUMANITARIAN convoy en route to Gaza has reported being approached by Israeli military vessels while attempting to challenge the long-standing blockade of the territory, according to organisers of the mission.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said its ships were intercepted by fast-moving naval craft which identified themselves as Israeli forces, amid what it described as escalating pressure on the aid mission.
Organisers claimed the vessels were approached aggressively, with participants allegedly ordered to gather at the front of the ship and kneel during the encounter.
“Our ship was approached by military speedboats, identifying themselves as ‘Israel’, while pointing lasers and semi-automatic weapons, and instructing participants to move to the front and kneel,” the group said in a statement reported by Al Jazeera.
They further alleged that ship communications were disrupted and that distress signals were transmitted during the incident as a precaution.
In a separate development, Israeli military radio reportedly cited sources saying that efforts had begun to take control of the aid vessel as it continued its approach towards Gaza, despite being far from Israeli territorial waters.
The maritime confrontation comes amid continued international scrutiny of Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza Strip, which critics argue has severely restricted humanitarian access to the enclave.
The blockade, in place for years, has been repeatedly condemned by humanitarian organisations and international observers, particularly over its impact on the delivery of essential aid to civilians in Gaza. - April 30, 2026
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