Title: Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla

Activists aboard a flotilla heading to Gaza reported that the Israeli navy has begun intercepting their vessels as they approach the besieged territory. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes prominent figures such as Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela, consists of nearly 50 boats and around 500 activists carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid. The flotilla aims to break the Israeli blockade and deliver assistance to Palestinians.

On Wednesday, activists shared videos on social media showing Israeli naval vessels approaching and ordering them to turn off their engines. The flotilla was sailing in international waters north of Egypt, having entered what activists termed a "danger zone". This area has previously seen Israeli naval forces stop boats attempting to breach the blockade.

Overnight, two Israeli warships reportedly circled two of the flotilla's boats, jamming their communications and live feeds. "It was an intimidation act. They wanted us to see them," said Lisi Proença, an activist aboard one of the targeted vessels. Despite the aggressive approach, the flotilla continued its journey, broadcasting live updates from many of its boats.

By Wednesday afternoon, the atmosphere on board appeared more relaxed. Activists displayed messages of solidarity with Gaza and chanted "Free Palestine!" while music played in the background. The flotilla, which departed from Barcelona a month ago, was expected to reach Gaza by Thursday morning, although activists anticipated potential intervention from Israeli authorities.

Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, labeled the flotilla a provocation and urged the activists to redirect their aid through other channels. Saar stated, "It is not too late," on social media. The Israeli government has accused some flotilla members of having ties to Hamas, a claim that activists have strongly denied, asserting that it is an attempt to justify possible attacks against them.

European governments, including Spain and Italy, have urged the flotilla to turn back. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concern that the flotilla's actions could undermine recent diplomatic efforts regarding Gaza. In contrast, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the mission, emphasizing its humanitarian nature. He stated, "We must remember it is a humanitarian mission that wouldn’t be taking place if the Israeli government had allowed for the entry of aid."

The legalities surrounding the flotilla's journey are complex. According to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, a state has jurisdiction only up to 12 nautical miles from its shores. Generally, states cannot seize ships in international waters, except in cases of armed conflict. Yuval Shany, an international law expert, noted that if Israel's blockade is deemed "militarily justified," it may intercept vessels intending to breach the blockade after issuing a warning.

Omer Shatz, another legal expert, argued that international law supports the right to provide humanitarian aid if the occupying power fails to meet the basic needs of the population. He stated, "If the basic needs of the population are not provided by the occupying power, there is a right to provide humanitarian aid, albeit under certain conditions."

As the flotilla continues its journey, the situation remains tense, with both activists and Israeli authorities on high alert for potential confrontations.