Attempts to break Gaza blockade continue
Staff Reporter :
Attempts to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza by sea are continuing despite repeated interceptions, with the latest seizures drawing condemnation from around the globe including Bangladesh.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set out with dozens of boats carrying humanitarian aid and international volunteers, has seen all of its vessels blocked by Israeli naval forces, according to organisers.
On Friday, the flotilla’s organisers said the final vessel, Marinette, was intercepted at 10:29 am local time (0729 GMT), about 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza.
“Israeli naval forces have illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels – each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege,” they said on Telegram.
The interceptions follow earlier seizures this week that already provoked widespread protests. Israeli officials said more than 400 people on board various boats had been prevented from reaching Gaza.
Despite the arrests, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which coordinates the missions, said another 11 ships remain on course for Gaza.
Two boats flying Italian and French flags left Otranto, Italy, on September 25, later joined by the ship Conscience.
They are due to rendezvous with an eight-boat convoy named “Thousand Madleens to Gaza,” forming a larger mission currently sailing off the coast of Crete.
Established in 2008, the coalition has organised dozens of similar efforts.
While previous flotillas have been blocked, the organisers say their main goal is to challenge the blockade itself and raise global awareness of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, which the UN warns has reached famine levels.
The latest interceptions also drew condemnation over the detention of reporters. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said more than 20 foreign journalists were arrested between Wednesday and Thursday while covering the flotilla.
They included correspondents from Spain’s El País, Qatar’s Al Jazeera, and Italy’s public broadcaster RAI.
“Arresting journalists and preventing them from doing their work is a serious violation of the right to inform and be informed,” said Martin Roux, head of RSF’s crisis desk, demanding their release.
The watchdog said news organisations have had no contact with their reporters since the arrests began.
Israel said the detainees would be deported to Europe, adding that none of the vessels had technically breached its maritime blockade.
Press access to Gaza has been tightly restricted since the war began in October 2023.
Most international outlets operate under Israeli military escort and censorship, while RSF says over 210 journalists have been killed in the conflict.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denounced the interception, calling it a violation of international law.
“This act is a flagrant violation and a brazen manifestation of Israel’s use of hunger as a weapon of war,” the statement read.
It demanded the immediate release of all detained aid workers and activists, and urged Israel to end what Dhaka described as a “genocidal war and humanitarian blockade.”
The ministry added that the flotilla symbolised global solidarity with Palestinians and reiterated that Bangladesh stood in “unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine in this hour of grave distress.”
Following the government statement, Jamaat-e-Islami organised a protest march in Dhaka on Friday after Jummah prayers.
Hundreds of supporters rallied from the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque to Shantinagar, chanting slogans against Israel.
Party leaders accused Israel of committing massacres against women and children, and criticised powerful countries for backing what they called “genocide.”
“We want to make it clear: until Palestine is free and independent, we will stand beside them and continue our struggle,” said senior Jamaat leader Rafiqul Islam Khan.
Separately, Bangladeshi photographer and rights activist Shahidul Alam, who is on a different vessel, stressed that his group of nine boats is not part of the Sumud Flotilla.
In a Facebook post, he said his ship carried 96 people – including 82 media and medical professionals – and aimed to “break the illegal siege” while highlighting the killing of journalists and health workers in Gaza.
“This is not primarily for delivering humanitarian aid, though we have supplies with us so we do not become a burden on our Gaza brothers and sisters,” Alam said.
He acknowledged the risks of leading the convoy but described it as a calculated decision.
For campaigners, the flotilla is a test of global willpower to challenge Israel’s blockade as much as a mission to deliver aid.
“Your love and your encouragement give us strength. We shall prevail. Palestine will be free,” Alam said.