Over 200 activists detained from Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla

Israel has detained over 200 activists from 37 countries aboard the Gaza-bound aid ship fleet, the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The organization’s spokesperson Saif Abukasheek announced via Instagram that 13 vessels have been seized at sea. This was reported by Al Jazeera on Thursday.

According to the report, Israeli forces attacked the flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade and seized at least 13 boats. Among the detainees, 30 were from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Turkey, and 12 from Malaysia. Despite the detention and blockade, the mission continues, with nearly 30 ships still trying to reach Gaza.

In response to the flotilla blockade, Italy’s largest labor union has called a general strike to protest.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Spain on August 31, is the largest maritime mission to Gaza so far, consisting of 44 ships carrying 497 passengers. Earlier attempts in June and July to deliver aid by sea were also blocked by Israel.