Passengers are in danger of being deported
The Israeli abroad Ministry reported on platform X that ships and fleet passengers were safely brought to Israeli port and are to be deported soon. In a statement, the ministry described the action as an unsuccessful effort to break through legal naval blockade and invade the war area.
The Freedom Fleet Coalition (FFC) is an global network of pro-Palestinian activists organising civilian humanitarian cruises aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip and providing support to its residents.
According to the activist coverage, the Israeli army disrupted radio and satellite communications and at least 2 ships were attacked. Mission participants keep that Israel does not have the right to operate in global waters, and that the flotilla itself was purely humanitarian.
The units carried over $110,000 worth of medical aid to hospitals in the Gaza Strip. At least 8 yachts with about 70 people from over 20 countries participated in the operation.
There has been a war in the Gaza Strip for 2 years since the attack of Hamas on Israel, resulting in more than 1.2 1000 Israelis being killed and 251 people being abducted. As of October 7, 2023, about 67,000 Palestinians and nearly 600 Israeli soldiers, officers and civilians have died as a consequence of war.
Detention of the fleet
On Wednesday night on Thursday, the Israeli Navy intercepted an global humanitarian convoy heading for the Gaza Strip. 42 ships were detained and crewed to Israel. The Global Flotilla Sumud (GSF) organization reported that its aim was to break the illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza, as it said, and to supply humanitarian aid there. In the end, no of the ships reached their destination. The Israeli authorities keep that the blockade is lawful and secure, accusing the flotilla of supporting Hamas. However, the legality of the blockade remains the subject of global disputes.
Israel's Justice Minister, Jariv Lewin, announced on Monday that of the 309 members of the fleet inactive in custody, 200 would be deported within the next 24 hours. It was previously reported that on the same day, a plane with activists from Greece, France, Italy and Sweden was to fly to Athens.
Three Poles were besides detained: associate of the Civic Coalition Franciszek Sterczewski, president of the Social and Cultural Association of Palestinians of Poland Omar Faris and president of the Nomad Nina Bird Association. Poles were part of about 470 people from 47 countries participating in the Global Sumud Fleet whose mission was to supply humanitarian aid to Gaza.
After their release, Polish participants are to undergo medical examinations to find their wellness and conditions under which they were held. The information so far shows that Omar Faris' condition deteriorated, while Nina Bird is conducting a hunger strike in a motion of solidarity with Palestinians held in the same prison and in protest against, as she described, genocide and her abduction during the humanitarian mission.
