A humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza arrived on the coast amid Israeli naval activity, as Israel declared a block, with a radio message warning boats of impending restriction; the event unfolded on October 1, 2023.
Israeli Warships Circle the Flotilla
On the morning of October 1, Israeli military vessels surrounded the humanitarian flotilla, most aggressively around the vessel Almaz. Equipment on several boats failed but was partially restored. Organiser Thiago Avila called the Israeli actions a cyber‑attack. Israeli officials did not comment. By about 19:30 local time, activists reported radar sightings of more than 20 unidentified craft roughly three nautical miles from the flotilla. They warned that, at current speed, the flotilla would reach the area in about thirty minutes if the adversaries did not move.
The situation suggests a maritime blockade, though the exact identity of the other vessels remains unclear.
Radio Warning from Israeli Forces
Shortly after the naval activity, an Israeli radio transmission warned: “You are approaching a zone of war. If you attempt to breach the blockade, we will detain and seize your vessel, and you will bear full responsibility for your actions.” The flotilla activists countered that they were not entering a combat zone but a location where war crimes are allegedly committed, citing an International Court of Justice ruling that obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza is illegal.
Live Coverage and Global Sumud Participation
The flotilla Global Sumud includes civilians, politicians and activists from nearly forty countries, notably Greta Thunberg aboard the Almaz. The mission seeks to break Israel’s maritime blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Ship positions are live‑tracked on the Flotilla Tracker map, and selected vessel cameras stream to YouTube.
Polish MP Describes Encirclement
Polish parliamentarian Franciszek Sterczewski, who also joined the flotilla, posted on Facebook that “it was not a false alarm. We spent the night on board and were circled by military ships. We remain on standby, but the spirit inside us does not wane.” He urged continued sailing to break the unlawful blockade and called on the world to end the genocide and create a humanitarian corridor in Gaza.
Accusations of Israeli Misrepresentation
Israel published photos on Tuesday claiming a Hamas member was among the flotilla, but the images actually showed former UK MP George Galloway. Activists from Global Sumud denounced the claim as part of a longstanding dehumanising narrative, arguing that the state is fabricating lies to justify crimes against a peaceful civilian mission.
Red Cross Halts Aid Operations
The International Committee of the Red Cross suspended its activities in Gaza on Wednesday, citing “desperate need for aid” but noting the continued intensity of Israeli actions. The organisation stated that its personnel, including those from the Palestinian Red Crescent and Civil Defence, could not move freely to reach civilians. It pledged to resume operations when conditions allow, while Doctors Without Borders had previously halted work a day earlier due to escalating Israeli offensives.
