Israeli Forces Seize Aid Boats, Activists Cry Piracy

0:00On April 30, pro-Palestinian activists report that Israeli forces have intercepted at least 22 boats from a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. These vessels were stopped in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, about 600 miles from Gaza, which sits under an Israeli, naval blockade. Organizes from the global Sumud flotilla call the move straight up piracy, saying the boats were seized unlawfully with communications jammed and civilians taken aboard. Most of the remaining 36 boats are now hugging Crete southwestern coast after setting sail two weeks ago from Spain, France, and Italy. Folks on board faced aggressive takeovers despite warnings from the Israeli Navy to turn back. Israel released videos showing the activists heading peacefully to their ports, insisting everything fall of international law and dismissing the whole thing as a publicity stunt backed by Hamas. This echoes last October when the same group tried a similar run. Israeli military halted it, arrested over 470 people, including Greta.

1:05Thunberg then deported them all. Meanwhile, tracking data keeps eyes on those leftover boats, as tensions simmer over the blockade and peace efforts in the region. Global news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters worldwide.