Italian Unions Call General Strike as Israel Seizes Gaza Flotilla; Emergency Protest Called in Athens (Updated)
Major labor action announced for October 3 as Israeli Navy confirms seizure of Alma and Sirius vessels; Greek activists rally outside Foreign Ministry tonight
The Israeli naval interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla has triggered immediate international responses, with Italian trade unions calling a general strike and Greek activists organizing emergency protests, as Israeli forces continue seizing control of multiple humanitarian vessels in international waters.
Italian Unions Declare General Strike for October 3
Italian trade unions have announced a general strike for October 3 in response to the Israeli attack on the flotilla, fulfilling their advance pledge to take action if the convoy was intercepted, according to Greek newspaper Efimerida ton Syntakton.
In an apparent attempt to calm reactions, the Italian Foreign Ministry rushed to declare that Israel has "committed" not to use violence against the activists.
Similarly, 76 trade union organizations in Greece have issued comparable statements of solidarity with the flotilla.
Israeli Navy Confirms Seizure of Two Vessels
As of 21:58 local time, the Israeli Navy has confirmed the seizure of two ships from the flotilla: the "Alma" and "Sirius," according to Efimerida ton Syntakton.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority had earlier confirmed at 21:44 Mecca time that naval forces have begun a comprehensive operation to take control of the Sumud Flotilla, with elements from Israeli naval forces boarding multiple participating ships.
Emergency Protest Called Outside Greek Foreign Ministry
The March To Gaza movement has called for a protest rally outside the Greek Foreign Ministry tonight at 11 PM (23:00) local time, according to reports at 21:47.
The call comes in response to what activists described as a "provocative announcement" by the Greek Foreign Ministry today, which urged activists to "refrain from initiatives that could be exploited by those who continue to reject peace."
Israeli Navy Confirms Full Operation Underway
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority officially confirmed that "naval forces have begun the operation to take control of the Sumud Flotilla," with "elements from the Israeli naval forces" boarding ships participating in the convoy.
The Global Sumud Flotilla earlier announced that Israeli forces have detained participants aboard the vessels, with most communications now severed from the 47-boat convoy carrying over 500 activists.
The previous update
Israeli naval forces have launched a comprehensive military operation to seize control of the Global Sumud Flotilla, boarding multiple vessels and detaining activists attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza, according to confirmed reports from Israeli Broadcasting Authority and Al Jazeera.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority officially confirmed at 21:44 local time that naval forces have begun operations to take control of the flotilla.
"Naval forces have begun the operation to take control of the Sumud Flotilla," the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported, adding that "elements from the Israeli naval forces have boarded ships participating in the Sumud Flotilla."
Multiple Ships Seized, Activists Detained
The Global Sumud Flotilla announced that Israeli forces have detained participants aboard two vessels: the Alma and the Sirus, according to Al Jazeera Arabic reporting at 21:37 local time.
Earlier reports at 21:12 local time had described dramatic scenes as Israeli military forces stormed the Alma, with a video message stating: "The Israeli army is abducting the crew of the Alma and will most likely do the same with the other ships."
One activist participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla published a video describing moments when the flotilla was subjected to maritime and aerial harassment during the night, according to reports at 21:34 Mecca time.
UN Rapporteur: Israel Has No Right to Intercept in International Waters
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, told Al Jazeera that Israel has no legal right to intercept the flotilla in international waters.
"Israel has no right to intercept the Sumud Flotilla in international waters," Albanese stated, adding that "the credibility of the United Nations is at stake for not stopping the genocide."
Israeli Navy Demanded Course Change
The Israeli Navy had demanded that the Sumud Flotilla change its course toward the port of Ashdod, where Israel said aid would undergo security inspection before transfer to Gaza.
A video published by Israel's Foreign Ministry showed a naval lieutenant speaking over radio: "You are approaching a blockaded zone. If you wish to deliver aid to Gaza, you may do so through the established channels. Please change your course toward the port of Ashdod."
The 47-boat flotilla, carrying over 500 activists, rejected the Israeli demand to divert.
Older Information from the Israeli Sources
Israeli naval forces have launched a full-scale interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, storming vessels and detaining crew members despite issuing final warnings for the humanitarian convoy to divert to an Israeli port, according to multiple reports from the Times of Israel, Al Jazeera, and Greek media.
The Israeli Navy called on the massive 47-boat flotilla to change course before beginning interception operations. Israel's Foreign Ministry published a video of a naval lieutenant speaking over radio to the activists.
"You are approaching a blockaded zone. If you wish to deliver aid to Gaza, you may do so through the established channels. Please change your course toward the port of Ashdod, where the aid will undergo a security inspection and then be transferred into the Gaza Strip," the lieutenant said.
The flotilla, carrying over 500 activists according to organizers, rejected the Israeli demand to divert.
Despite the warnings, Israeli military forces proceeded with a full-scale operation. At 21:12 local time, the Israeli military boarded the ship Alma and began arresting crew members, according to reports from Greek newspaper Efimerida ton Syntakton.
A video message from the Alma states: "The Israeli army is abducting the crew of the Alma and will most likely do the same with the other ships. Share immediately."
Communications Systematically Cut
Most livestreams from the various boats in the flotilla have been cut in the past hour, the Times of Israel reports. Crew members reported on social media that the Israeli operation was in full progress, with communication being lost with more and more ships.
Passengers on board the vessels had already put on their life jackets and were sending urgent messages as the Israeli intervention intensified, according to reports at 21:15 local time.
Greek activist Peti Perka, aboard the ship "Oxygen," issued a statement confirming: "The intervention has begun."
Israel Accuses Flotilla of Hamas Ties, Provocation
Israel's Foreign Ministry accused the flotilla of being a "provocation" rather than a genuine humanitarian mission.
"The sole purpose of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla is provocation," the ministry stated, claiming that some key participants have ties to Hamas.
"Israel, Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have all offered and continue to offer the flotilla a way to peacefully deliver any aid they might have to Gaza. The flotilla refused because they are not interested in aid, but in provocation," the ministry added.
Israeli military forces have begun a full-scale operation against the Global Sumud Flotilla, storming vessels and detaining crew members in international waters, according to urgent reports from Greek newspaper Efimerida ton Syntakton and crew members aboard the ships.
Communication Lost with Multiple Vessels
Crew members of the Global Sumud Flotilla are reporting on social media that the Israeli operation is in full progress, with communication being lost with more and more ships, according to reports at 21:15 local time.
Passengers on board the vessels have already put on their life jackets and are sending their own urgent messages as the Israeli intervention intensifies.
Peti Perka, aboard the ship "Oxygen," issued a statement confirming: "The intervention has begun."
The Standoff
The standoff between Israeli naval forces and the Global Sumud Flotilla has intensified dramatically, with Israeli warships now positioned just hundreds of meters from the humanitarian vessels, according to the latest reports from Al Jazeera correspondents on board.
Anas Al-Sharif, an Al Jazeera correspondent aboard the ship "Anas Al-Sharif" participating in the flotilla, reported that crew members were ordered to dispose of their mobile phones as Israeli warships closed in.
"We had to give up our phones after an Israeli warship approached us," Al-Sharif reported. "The commander of our ship asked us to hand over the phones after an Israeli ship approached us."
The vessels are currently located in international waters, approximately 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) from the Gaza coast.
Captain Defies Israeli Naval Warnings
In a direct confrontation, the Israeli Navy warned the ship Alma that it was approaching a naval blockade area. However, the captain of the Alma defiantly told Israeli naval forces that he would ignore their warnings and continue the mission.
According to Al Jazeera correspondents, Israeli warships are now positioned just one hundred meters away from the Sumud Flotilla, with the situation becoming increasingly tense.
Older Update
A humanitarian flotilla approaching the Gaza Strip is now surrounded by Israeli naval vessels, according to the latest reports from Al Jazeera, as a tense standoff unfolds in Mediterranean waters.
Yasemin Acar, a member of the flotilla's steering committee, confirmed that Israeli forces have encircled the Alma, one of the ships in the humanitarian convoy.
"The IOF [Israel] is now surrounding the Alma vessel on both sides of the boat, they are close, we are getting into position and ready to be intercepted," Acar stated.
The development marks a critical escalation as the international coalition attempts to reach the besieged Gaza Strip with humanitarian supplies.
Initial Report
A humanitarian flotilla is rapidly approaching the Gaza Strip, with Al Jazeera reporting that Israeli intervention appears imminent as the vessel nears the blockaded Palestinian territory.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, described on its official website as a "coalition of everyday people," includes organizers, humanitarians, doctors, artists, clergy, lawyers, and seafarers united in their commitment to human dignity and nonviolent action.
A Coordinated Global Movement
According to the flotilla's organizers, the mission represents an unprecedented level of international coordination. "In June, we launched a globally coordinated mobilization by land, sea, and air. In Summer, we return with a unified strategy: one goal and global coordination like never before," the group stated on its website.
Flotilla Tracker
The coalition emphasizes its diverse composition, noting that participants come from different nations, faiths, and political beliefs but are "united by a single truth: the siege and genocide must end."
Building on Solidarity
The flotilla organizers describe their efforts as building upon "decades of Palestinian resistance and international solidarity." They stress their independence from governmental and political party affiliations, declaring that "our allegiance is to justice, freedom, and the sanctity of human life."
As the vessel continues its approach to Gaza's waters, tensions are rising with reports suggesting Israeli authorities are preparing to intercept the humanitarian mission. Further developments are expected in the coming hours.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.