GLOBAL SUMUD FLOTILLA UPDATES FOLLOWING ILLEGAL INTERCEPTION AND ABDUCTION OF VOLUNTEERS
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Download PDFFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GLOBAL SUMUD FLOTILLA UPDATES FOLLOWING ILLEGAL INTERCEPTION AND ABDUCTION OF VOLUNTEERS October 2, 2025 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.
Continued... GLOBAL SUMUD FLOTILLA UPDATES FOLLOWING ILLEGAL INTERCEPTION AND ABDUCTION OF VOLUNTEERS October 2, 2025 The following vessels have been The following vessels lost contact confirmed to be illegally intercepted: several hours ago and are assumed to have been illegally intercepted: Free Willy – Polish Flag Captain Nikos – Polish Flag MiaMia – Italian Flag Florida – Polish Flag Vangleis – Polish Flag All In – French Flag Pavlos – Polish Flag Karma Wahoo – Polish Flag Oxygono – Polish Flag Inana – UK Flag Mohammad Bhar – Dutch Flag Maria – Italian Flag Jeannot – Spanish Flag Alakatalla – Italian Flag Seulle – Polish Flag Meteque – Italian Flag Hio – Polish Flag Mango – Polish Flag Morgana – Italian Flag Adagio – Spanish Flag Otaria – Italian Flag Ahed Tamimi – Polish Flag Grande Blu – Polish Flag Australe – Polish Flag Deir Yassine – Algerian Flag Amsterdam – Netherlands Flag Huga – Polish Flag Ohwayla – UK Flag Aurora – Italian Flag Selvaggia – Italian Flag Yulara – Spanish Flag Catalina – German Flag Spectre – Spanish Flag Estrella – Spanish Flag Adara – Spanish Flag Fair Lady – Italian Flag Alma – UK Flag Sirius – UK Flag Media Contact: Hasina Kathrada: +44 1414 620 950 Email: media@globalsumudflotilla.org Instagram/Telegram: @globalsumudflotilla
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