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Israel Poised to Intercept Turkey-Based Gaza Flotilla

The standoff will test Israel’s Gaza blockade enforcement under threat of clashes at sea.

Overview

  • The Global Sumud convoy left Marmaris, Turkey, and is sailing for Gaza with roughly 50 to 57 boats carrying hundreds of activists.
  • Israeli officials say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold a security review to authorize a seizure of the ships to uphold the naval blockade.
  • The military is preparing a boarding by Shayetet 13 naval commandos, and Kan News reported a floating detention cell was set up to hold detainees if crews refuse to turn back.
  • Officials warn this flotilla could resist more violently because of the IHH role and the 2010 Mavi Marmara precedent, when commandos were attacked with knives and clubs.
  • Israel and the United States tried through diplomatic channels to stop the launch from Turkey, but reports say those efforts did not succeed.