Israeli occupation forces intercepted a nine-boat flotilla early Wednesday in the Mediterranean Sea while activists, including three Turkish lawmakers, attempted to break Israel’s illegal naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG), was carrying essential food and medical supplies for hospitals in Gaza.

According to the flotilla organizers, the activists were intercepted approximately 120 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast. Footage released by the organizers shows fast-moving Israeli military vessels approaching the convoy, followed by boarding of the boats by heavily armed troops. Despite the aggressive seizure, no injuries were reported among the detainees.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry, in a statement on X, claimed that the 145 activists were in “good health” and would be deported promptly. Israel described the flotilla as “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone,” ignoring the urgent humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population, already suffering from famine, disease, and widespread destruction.

Among those detained were three elected Turkish lawmakers, highlighting Turkey’s ongoing solidarity with Gaza. Their participation underscores the international political dimension of the flotilla and the growing global opposition to Israel’s blockade, which has been described by human rights organizations as a form of collective punishment against Palestinians.

The flotilla’s organizers condemned the seizure as “arbitrary, unlawful, and a violation of international law.” They emphasized that all activists aboard, including doctors, politicians, and humanitarian workers, were peacefully carrying aid to civilians trapped under Israel’s siege.

Israel has maintained a tight naval and land blockade on Gaza since Hamas took power in 2007, claiming the restrictions are necessary to contain militants. Critics, however, describe the blockade as a weapon of collective punishment against Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, contributing to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

The most recent war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, operation, has left more than 67,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Women and children account for nearly half of the fatalities, while tens of thousands have been displaced. Israel’s continued restrictions on food, medicine, and basic supplies have caused famine and acute malnutrition, creating urgent need for humanitarian aid.

This flotilla comes as Israel and Hamas engage in indirect negotiations in Sharm Al-Sheikh, Egypt, facilitated by international mediators including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Despite these talks, Israel continues to obstruct aid convoys to Gaza.

Activists argue that maritime convoys remain a critical lifeline, given the extremely limited access for aid by land due to Israel’s siege. The involvement of international lawmakers, including the Turkish delegation, adds political weight to the effort to establish a humanitarian corridor by sea and break Gaza’s isolation.

“The people of Gaza cannot survive under this brutal blockade,” said one flotilla organizer. “Every act of resistance, whether by sea or by solidarity, is a moral obligation. The Turkish lawmakers’ presence demonstrates that the world cannot ignore Gaza’s suffering any longer.” (ILKHA)