Israel prepares to stop 100-boat Gaza flotilla before it reaches shore

Key Points:

• The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising about 100 vessels and 1,000 activists from multiple countries, is currently near Crete and aims to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, with expected arrival in the coming days.
• Israeli naval forces are preparing to intercept the flotilla before it reaches Gaza, considering options such as boarding the vessels at sea or air deployment, while engaging diplomatically with countries of departure like Turkey, Spain, and Italy.
• Organizers describe the flotilla as part of a global movement against what they term “apartheid, occupation, ethnic cleansing and genocide,” with participants including notable activists such as Dr. Margaret Connolly and Brazilian human rights advocates.
• Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has imposed sanctions on the flotilla’s fundraising campaign, accusing it of being organized by Hamas under the guise of humanitarian aid, and citing violations of U.N. Resolution 2803 and Israeli counterterrorism laws.
• Israeli authorities highlight concerns over the flotilla’s funding transparency and legality, noting recent arrests linked to money laundering and corruption among individuals associated with the campaign.