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Five Gaza Flotilla Boats Turn Back to Barcelona in Storm as Mission Continues

Israeli warnings of harsh reprisals raise the stakes for activists at sea.

Overview

  • The coalition said five smaller craft returned to the Port of Barcelona overnight because of extreme weather, with all crew accounted for.
  • About twenty vessels that departed Monday evening remain underway toward a planned rendezvous with additional ships from Tunisia, Greece and Italy.
  • Participants reported radio and internet losses on multiple boats, with some crews maintaining only visual contact.
  • Organizers reaffirmed plans to press on toward Gaza with a humanitarian and nonviolent mission after repeated weather delays since the initial launch.
  • Israel’s national security minister vowed a firm response, and Israeli media outlined potential prolonged detentions, boat seizures and transfers to Ketziot and Damon prisons if activists are intercepted.