MEDITERRANEAN SEA – After Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla —a peaceful, non-violent convoy carrying food, baby formula, medicine, and volunteers from 47 countries to Gaza—hundreds of participants have been abducted and reportedly taken aboard the large naval vessel, the MSC Johannesburg. This was after they were assaulted with water cannons, doused with skunk water, and had their communications systematically jammed in yet more acts of aggression against unarmed civilians.
Additionally, several boats were reportedly stopped by a chain-like barrier in international waters where Israel has no jurisdiction, just as they have no jurisdiction over Gaza’s waters and shoreline, compounding Israel’s continued war crimes and illegal blockade.
Adalah lawyers, who represent the flotilla participants before Israeli authorities, have been given minimal updates and have not been informed on whether the estimated 443 flotilla volunteers, who were forcibly taken from their vessels, will arrive at Ashdod, where they are expected to be processed under illegal detention.
This is an unlawful abduction, in direct violation of international law and basic human rights. Intercepting humanitarian vessels in international waters is a war crime; denying legal counsel and concealing the fate of those seized compounds that crime. We demand that governments, world leaders, and international institutions immediately intervene to secure information on the missing participants, guarantee their safety, and demand their immediate release.
Our commitment remains clear: to break Israel’s illegal siege and end the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. Every act of repression against our flotilla, every escalation of violence in Gaza, and every attempt to suppress solidarity actions only strengthen our resolve.
Mikeno, sailing under the French flag, may have entered Palestinian territorial waters according to AIS data, but remains out of contact. Marinette, sailing under the Polish flag, is still connected via Starlink and in communication, carrying a total of 6 passengers on board.
| The following vessels have been confirmed to be illegally intercepted: | The following vessels lost contact several hours ago and are assumed to have been illegally intercepted: |
| Free Willy – Polish Flag
Captain Nikos – Polish Flag Florida – Polish Flag All In – French Flag Karma Oxygono – Polish Flag Mohammad Bhar – Dutch Flag Jeannot – Spanish Flag Seulle – Polish Flag Hio – Polish Flag Morgana – Italian Flag Otaria – Italian Flag Grande Blu – Polish Flag Deir Yassine – Algerian Flag Huga – Polish Flag Aurora – Italian Flag Yulara – Spanish Flag Spectre – Spanish Flag Adara – Spanish Flag Alma – UK Flag Sirius – UK Flag |
MiaMia – Italian Flag
Vangleis – Polish Flag Pavlos – Polish Flag Wahoo – Polish Flag Inana – UK Flag Maria – Italian Flag Alakatalla – Italian Flag Meteque – Italian Flag Mango – Polish Flag Adagio – Spanish Flag Ahed Tamimi – Polish Flag Australe – Polish Flag Amsterdam – Netherlands Flag Ohwayla – UK Flag Selvaggia – Italian Flag Catalina – German Flag Estrella – Spanish Flag Fair Lady – Italian Flag |
