Gaza, Oct 2 (V7N) – Israeli forces intercepted several vessels from the Global Solidarity Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid for starving residents of Gaza in the early hours of Thursday, according to Middle East Eye. The troops reportedly boarded the vessel Alma, one of the leading ships in the convoy, during a pre-dawn raid.

The flotilla had been sailing toward Gaza with relief supplies when Israeli forces surrounded the Alma from both sides, sparking fears of imminent confrontation. Activists on another ship, Adara, were seen throwing their mobile phones into the sea after Israeli soldiers boarded their vessel.

Saif Abukeshk, spokesperson for the Global Solidarity Flotilla, confirmed that the mission encountered direct obstruction at sea. “We received reports that Israeli forces encircled the Alma on two sides. There are serious concerns they may intervene with force at any moment,” he said.

The convoy, consisting of multiple ships carrying food and medical aid, was launched by international human rights activists in an attempt to break Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza and deliver emergency relief to civilians. Organizers stressed that the initiative was entirely humanitarian, while Israel has maintained that such convoys bypass inspection procedures and could pose security risks.

The interception comes as Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with acute shortages of food, medicine, and fuel due to ongoing Israeli restrictions. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned of the risk of famine and disease in the besieged enclave if access is not urgently expanded.

This incident recalls earlier confrontations between Israel and Gaza-bound flotillas, most notably the 2010 raid on the Mavi Marmara. In that case, Israeli commandos stormed a Turkish-led aid vessel, resulting in the deaths of nine activists and sparking international outrage. Despite global condemnation, Israel has continued to enforce a naval blockade on Gaza, citing security concerns and the need to prevent weapons smuggling.

Rights groups and UN officials have consistently called for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. The latest flotilla episode underscores the ongoing international tensions surrounding aid delivery to the territory, as well as the desperate conditions faced by civilians caught in the conflict.

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