Why it matters:
Gaza has been under heavy war and a complete siege for nearly two years; the delivery of humanitarian aid faces serious obstacles, and any action against these shipments will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The big picture:
The Global Sumud flotilla comprises more than 40 civilian ships and approximately 500 people, including members of parliament, lawyers, and social activists. Israeli forces attacked the Global Sumud flotilla, stopped some ships in the fleet, and transferred their passengers to a port in the occupied territories.
Context:
Israel's attack on the convoy is part of a long-running Israeli crackdown on international efforts to provide direct aid to Gaza. This action will have wide repercussions internationally and among public opinion.
The flotilla is the latest sea-borne attempt to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, much of which has been turned into a wasteland by Israel. The flotilla had been hoping to arrive in Gaza on Thursday (October 2) morning if it was not intercepted.
What's happening:
Israel's actions against the Al-Sumud fleet, which was en route to Gaza, have drawn sharp criticism from various governments and organizations worldwide:
- The Chilean government expressed concern over the seizure of the Global Sumud flotilla, stressing that this action violates the freedom of navigation guaranteed by the United Nations Convention.
- Venezuela's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, calling Zionism the only real threat to world peace.
- The presidents of Bolivia and Colombia also strongly condemned last night's attack on the flotilla in messages.
- Mohammed al-Farah, a member of the political bureau of Yemen's Ansarullah movement, also condemned Israel's open attack on the Global Sumud flotilla and the seizure of its civilian ships.
- Large demonstrations condemning the Israeli attack were also held in the cities of Canada, Argentina, Greece, Barcelona, Rome, Brussels, Berlin, and Istanbul.
Go deeper:
Sumud Flotilla to Reach Gaza Tomorrow: Activists
Zohre Khazaee - seyed mohammad kazemi
