Israeli navy intercepts Gaza aid flotilla carrying activists linked to Belgium

The Israeli navy has intercepted ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a pro-Palestinian aid convoy attempting to sail to Gaza Strip, activists said on Monday.

The flotilla was stopped in international waters near Cyprus at around 9.50am local time. Organisers accused Israel of “kidnapping” the activists on board.

According to the group, around ten people with links to Belgium were on the remaining ships. Some are Belgian citizens, while others live in Belgium.

One of the activists on board is 26-year-old Flemish activist Isja Puissant, who was travelling on the ship Akka. He told Belgian media that Israeli warships and speedboats were approaching the convoy before the interception.

The activists said they had sent a distress signal to Cyprus but had received no response.

The flotilla is trying to deliver aid and protest against Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Israel has not yet publicly commented on the latest interception.

In April, Israeli forces also stopped part of the same flotilla near Crete, detaining around 175 activists. Most were later transferred to Greece, although two activists were temporarily held in Israel.

^{© Costas METAXAKIS / AFP}