Israeli Navy Intercepts, Seizes ‘Flotilla’ Boat Attempting to Break Blockade on Gaza

Gaza, MINA – Israeli naval forces Sunday intercepted a boat with medical supplies attempting to break Israel’s 11-year blockade of the Gaza Strip, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported, citing sources.

Organizers of the Flotilla boat said Israeli navy intercepted the boat, which was named al-Awda (Return), surrounded it, and seized the boxes of medical supplies it carried on board before towing it to the Israeli port of Ashdod near Gaza.

‘Freedom Flotilla’ organizers said participants on board of the ‘Freedom Flotilla’ received a call from Israeli naval forces prior to the interception inquiring about the number of participants and supplies it carried on board before their boat was surrounded and seized.

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Around 20 participants from 15 different countries took part in the Flotilla, including the United States, Australia, Sweden, Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Algeria.

The “Return” (al-Awda) is one of two vessels making up the flotilla, alongside “Freedom.”

The flotilla was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an umbrella of organizations aiming to end the closure of Gaza, and set sail from the Danish port of Copenhagen.(T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)