Zionist Forces Detain 223 International Activists Aboard Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla
Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla announced on Thursday that Zionist forces detained 223 international activists traveling aboard a Gaza-bound aid convoy. The group stated on social media platform X that 15 boats were confirmed to have come under Zionist attack since late Wednesday, with at least eight others believed to be under assault. The flotilla also published the names and nationalities of the detained activists on Instagram.
According to the flotilla’s official tracker, 20 vessels have already been attacked by Zionist forces, while 24 others continue their journey toward Gaza. Turkish activist Erdem Ozveren, who is part of the mission, said their vessel was less than 30 nautical miles from Gaza. The aid flotilla, which departed at the end of August, is carrying humanitarian assistance and medical supplies. It is the first large-scale mission in years, with over 50 ships and more than 500 participants from 45 countries uniting in support of Gaza.
The mission comes amid worsening conditions in the enclave, where the Zionist entity has maintained a blockade for nearly 18 years. The siege was further tightened in March, blocking food and medicine deliveries and pushing Gaza into famine. Since October 2023, Zionist bombardments have killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, the majority women and children. International organizations, including the UN, have repeatedly warned that Gaza is on the brink of being rendered uninhabitable, as starvation and disease continue to spread.
