Following the Israeli forces’ interception of the aid flotilla en route to Gaza, activists have begun to push for the removal of Israel from the United Nations. These activists have accused Israel of breaking international law in their conduct of intercepting the flotilla.
Activists accuse Israel of breaking international law following aid flotilla interception
Activists have begun to push for the removal of Israel from the United Nations (UN) following Israeli forces’ third interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Israeli forces intercepted the fleet on its mission to Gaza in international waters just off the coast of Cyprus.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a fleet of civilian vessels with the mission of challenging Israel’s blockade of aid into Gaza and supplying aid to people in the region. Israeli forces have thwarted all attempts by the group to get aid into Gaza.
In the latest interception, Israeli forces captured the activists in international waters. Israeli forces also previously intercepted the flotilla about 600 nautical miles from Gaza.
Moreover, activists have pointed to this as an act of piracy. During the interception of the flotilla, Israeli forces apparently fired rubber bullets at unarmed activists aboard the flotilla.
Israel is currently detaining about 400 activists following the interception of the flotilla. Organizers of the flotilla have said Israeli forces intercepted about 41 boats.
However, the Israeli government claims that the flotilla does not carry any aid and is backed by terrorists. They also accused some of the previously detained activists of providing services to a terrorist organization and assisting the enemy during wartime.
Detained flotilla activists embark on hunger strike after capture
About 87 activists captured aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have embarked on a hunger strike following their detention. Organizers of the flotilla said they are striking to protest their abduction.
“The group is striking in protest of their illegal abduction and in solidarity with the over 9,500 Palestinian hostages held in Israeli dungeons,” organizers posted on X.
However, the Israeli authorities insist that the mission to get aid to Gaza is a “PR stunt.” The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that they captured 430 activists aboard the flotilla.
“All 430 activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels and are making their way to Israel, where they will be able to meet their consular representatives,” said a ministry spokesman.
Previously detained activists, following their release, accused Israeli forces of maltreatment and torture. Israeli soldiers allegedly beat an activist to the point of his passing out.