Israel is preparing to intercept the "Global Sumud" flotilla
By Bernie,
Israel is preparing to intercept the "Global Sumud" flotilla, which set sail last Thursday from the Turkish coastal city of Marmaris bound for the Gaza Strip, the Prime Minister's Office stated. The convoy was organised by the IHH organisation, which was behind the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla, and is expected to reach the area within two to three days. An Israeli official stated, "Our expectation is that this time they will be more violent than usual." The official added, "We will take control of them and take them down to a floating prison. We know that resistance to arrest is expected, and perhaps cold weapons will also be used." Israel had previously worked through diplomatic channels to prevent the flotilla from departing, without success, and as Ynet has reported, the United States also asked Turkey to prevent the sailing, also without success. A political source stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a preliminary security consultation on Sunday regarding the flotilla, with an operational meeting scheduled for Monday with the defence establishment.
Israel is preparing for the arrival of around 50 vessels. Among the activists on board, according to Israeli assessments, are Saif Abu-Kashq, a Palestinian resident of Spain, and Brazilian citizen Thiago Avila, both of whom were arrested at the end of last month after the Israeli Navy intercepted the "Spring 2026" flotilla off Crete. The two were brought to Israel for Shin Bet questioning, deported to Turkey, and immediately boarded the new flotilla. An Israeli official stated, "This time we will not release them so quickly." Israel has accused the pair of, among other things, membership in a terrorist organisation, aiding the enemy in time of war, and contact with terrorist elements. The Foreign Ministry stated after their earlier deportation, "Israel will not allow any breach of the lawful maritime blockade on Gaza."
Topics: Strait of Hormuz, Gaza, Israeli Politics
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