The mission organizers said that two Israeli “warships” were quickly approaching and surrounded by two of the fleet boats, Alma and Sirius. All navigation and communication devices have been downed by Thiago Avila, one organizer on board, described as a “cyberattack” in a press conference.
The fleet appeared to have recovered some communications. Israeli officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The global SUMUD FLOTILLA consists of over 40 civilian ships with around 500 people, including lawmakers, lawyers and activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The mission is the latest seawater attempt to break the blockade of Israel’s Palestinian enclaves and deliver food and medicine. It is currently within 120 nautical miles of Gaza’s coast and is located within an area where Israel polices to stop approaching ships.
If it is not intercepted, it will arrive Thursday morning.
MNA