Skip to content

Mamdani Furious After Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla

Even as New York City grappled with various local crises on Thursday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani shifted his focus to the high seas. The Mayor issued a formal demand for the release of activists after their humanitarian aid flotilla—intended for Gaza—was intercepted by Israeli forces.

While several such European expeditions have attempted the journey to Gaza, none have successfully breached the blockade; typically, these encounters end with Israel detaining the participants before eventually deporting them.

The latest confrontation provided Mamdani with a high-profile platform to signal his support for the pro-Palestinian movement. Taking to X on Thursday evening, the Mayor condemned the intervention:

“Last night, Israeli forces intercepted and boarded a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza in international waters off the coast of Greece—unlawfully detaining more than 175 people, including several New Yorkers.”

“My team has been in direct contact with state and federal partners as we work to confirm the whereabouts and conditions of these New Yorkers,” Mamdani posted, later adding that the incident was a “brazen violation of international law” and demanding the immediate release of those detained.

Related article  Pas Myanmar, tërmeti i fuqishem me magnitudë 7.1 i shkallës rihter trondit serish token

By Friday, the BBC reported that all but two of the activists had been released in Greece. According to Israel’s foreign ministry, the two men remaining in custody are Saif Abu Keshek, suspected of “affiliation with a terrorist organization,” and Thiago Ávila, who is suspected of “illegal activity.”

The 22 vessels, carrying approximately 175 passengers, were intercepted near the island of Crete.

Related article  'Here’s how they got in' - Former FBI Boss: Iran Has Activated Sleeper Cells in US

Conflicting Accounts of the Encounter

The Global Sumud Flotilla characterized the intervention as a “violent raid in international waters,” alleging that Israeli forces “intercepted, boarded, and systematically disabled and destroyed” several of their boats.

In contrast, the Israeli Foreign Ministry maintained that the operation was carried out “peacefully” and “in accordance with international law.” Officials noted that they intervened much earlier than in previous encounters because the flotilla had “actively attempted to block an Israeli merchant vessel,” according to reporting by the Times of Israel.

“This is why Israel acted early… with the aim of ensuring the safety and security of all those on board – and it will continue to do so,” the ministry stated.

Netanyahu’s Response

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the Israeli Navy on Thursday for the “completely successful” operation. He remained firm on the blockade’s integrity, stating:

  • “Not one ship or Hamas supporter arrived in our territory, not even in our maritime territory.”

  • “They have been turned back and will return to their countries of origin. They will continue to watch Gaza on YouTube.”

According to the Jerusalem Post, the U.S. State Department issued a scathing critique of the voyage on Thursday, labeling the flotilla a “pro-Hamas initiative” and a “baseless, counterproductive effort” intended to derail President Trump’s Peace Plan.

Related article  Trump’s DHS Cracks Down In LA, Illegals Rounded Up in Bold Operation

The Department further alleged that the mission was sponsored by the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, an entity designated as a terrorist organization. In its official statement, the U.S. signaled a hardline stance toward those involved:

  • Sanctions and Legal Action: “The United States will explore using available tools to impose consequences on those who provide support to this pro-Hamas flotilla and support our allies’ legal actions against it.”

  • Questioning Intent: The statement concluded by asserting that the flotilla “has nothing to do with humanitarian aid or the welfare of Gazans.”

Published inNEWS