More aid boats intercepted by Israel: Organizers

CAIRO — The organizers of a new Gaza-bound aid flotilla said the Israeli army intercepted at least three of its boats on Wednesday.

"Three vessels, Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar, and Anas Al-Sharif, have been attacked and illegally intercepted by the Israeli military, in the early morning, 220 kilometers off the coast of Gaza," the Global Sumud Flotilla said on X.

It said another ship, the Conscience, carrying more than 90 journalists, doctors and activists, was also "under attack", while its crew on the Milad "are being illegally abducted by Israel".

The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed it had intercepted boats entering waters it says fall under its blockade of the war-torn territory.

"Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port," it said on social media.

"All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly," it added.

The pro-Palestinian activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the boats were carrying "vital aid worth over $110,000 in medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies that were destined for Gaza's starving hospitals".

Israel has blocked several international aid flotillas in recent months from reaching Gaza, where the UN says famine has set in.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday said he strongly condemned the Israeli military after it intercepted several boats carrying aid to Gaza, and demanded that activists be released.

In another development, the South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were detained in Israel, have been released and arrived safely in Jordan, according to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the department confirmed that South African Ambassador to Jordan Tselane Mokuena was present to receive the activists.

It added that International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola reiterated the government's gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful outcome through their cooperation and support.

Xinhua - Agencies