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Israeli Navy Begins Boarding Gaza-Bound Global Sumud Flotilla, France Confirms

European escorts stayed outside Israel’s exclusion line after urging the mission to halt to protect fragile diplomacy.

Overview

  • France said the convoy was in the process of being boarded by Israeli authorities after the navy ordered vessels to divert toward Ashdod.
  • Organizers reported encirclement, disrupted communications and aggressive maneuvers, with the Sirius, Alma and Adara among boats said to be intercepted.
  • The coalition counts roughly 45 boats carrying hundreds of activists from more than 40 countries on a mission to challenge the blockade and deliver aid.
  • Italy and Spain dispatched naval ships but stopped at the 150‑nautical‑mile limit and asked participants not to enter the Israel‑designated exclusion zone.
  • Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly urged the flotilla to stop to avoid undermining peace efforts tied to the U.S. proposal, while France called for participant safety and consular access.