Israeli naval vessels began seizing boats of the Gaza Sumud Flotilla and arresting those on board Wednesday evening, Oct. 1, completing the task midday on Oct. 2. Israeli authorities then began the process of deporting the activists from the vessels to Europe. The Gaza Sumud Flotilla issued a statement reporting that all of its vessels had been either intercepted or were assumed to have been intercepted by Israeli forces who “abducted” those sailing with the flotilla. “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,” it said.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement claiming that “The Hamas-Sumud provocation is over. None of the Hamas-Sumud provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade. All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe. One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”
