GSF vessel reaches Gaza, breaks Israeli siege after 15 years

One of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla has successfully entered the territorial waters of the Gaza Strip, as activists defied Israel’s blockade of the enclave after 15 years.

According to reports, the connection with the Mikeno ship, which entered Gaza and was expected to soon become visible from the strip’s shores, has been lost. However, the ship did appear on a live tracker, indicating that it had reached close to Gaza’s coastline.

It remains unclear whether the vessel has been intercepted by Israel, since no further communication has come from onboard.

The activists aboard the flotilla have repeatedly urged people worldwide to raise their voices in support of their humanitarian mission and the besieged population of Gaza.

Despite arrests and interceptions of several boats, dozens of vessels are still sailing toward Gaza, even as Israeli forces continue to threaten interception. Videos circulating online show Israeli troops storming boats and abducting activists.

The flotilla, carrying over 500 activists on more than 40 boats, set sail to deliver aid and break the blockade of Gaza.

Israel blocked the vessel’s communication and jammed its live streams, leaving no contact with those who have been kidnapped. Activists who were intercepted said they were forced to throw their phones into the water to stop the occupation from stealing their data.

The Israeli assault on the peaceful humanitarian mission has sparked outrage worldwide, with protests erupting in Germany, Italy, Türkiye, and the UK.