"Activists on board a flotilla of vessels sailing toward Gaza said late Wednesday that the Israeli navy had intercepted 13 of its boats as they approached the besieged Palestinian territory. Israeli authorities said the activists on board, including Greta Thunberg, were safe and being transferred to Israel. The Global Sumud Flotilla, composed of nearly 50 boats and 500 activists, is carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza."
"The Sirius, Alma and Adara boats were intercepted some 70 nautical miles (80 miles) from the coast of Gaza, according to organizers who shared live positions of the flotilla. The group, which includes Nelson Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau and several European lawmakers, said it remained undeterred in its mission to break the Israeli blockade and bring aid to Palestinians."
"Greg Stoker, an American veteran aboard the Ohwayla, one of the boats in the flotilla, said that around a dozen naval vessels with their transponders off had approached it. They are currently hailing our vessels, telling us to turn off our engines and await further instructions or our boats will be seized and we will face the consequences, he said in a shaky video posted on Instagram. Israeli authorities used water cannons against some of the boats, Stoker and other activists reported on social media."
The Global Sumud Flotilla of nearly 50 boats and about 500 activists sailed toward Gaza carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid. Israeli naval forces intercepted 13 boats approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza and are transferring passengers to Israel, with authorities reporting detainees safe. Notable participants include Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela, Ada Colau and several European lawmakers. Activists reported approaches by a dozen naval vessels with transponders off, orders to stop engines, and use of water cannons against some boats. Organizers say remaining vessels continue toward Gaza. Italy's foreign minister said the Israeli operation was expected to take two to three hours.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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