The Israeli naval forces intercepted more than 400 activists from 47 supporters of Palestine who were on board 41 ships within the “Al -Samoud Fleet”, which was heading towards the Gaza Strip, loaded with humanitarian aid.
The marine operation lasted about 12 hours, and resulted in the transfer of the participants to the port of Ashdod, where they were interrogated by the Israeli police, as the ships tried to “violate the marine collar imposed on Gaza.”
The objection of the fleet, which included activists, parliamentarians and lawyers from several countries, sparked international reactions and criticism of Israel, as a step was considered to abort a symbolic move aimed at breaking the maritime blockade imposed on the sector for years.
The “Al -Samoud Fleet” was launched in late August, loaded with medicines and foods, and included more than 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 participants. He had international accompaniment, as several European countries continued to move it across the Mediterranean in anticipation of assistance to their citizens.
