A Gaza-bound aid flotilla is navigating through high-risk waters, where previous missions have faced interception or attack. Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported on Wednesday that the Israeli military plans to seize the flotilla using naval commandos and warships, but will sink some of the 50 vessels at sea rather than towing them all. The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Spain on Aug. 31 and represents the largest maritime mission to Gaza to date, bringing together delegations from at least 44 countries to challenge Israel's naval blockade and deliver humanitarian assistance.
International law prohibits Israel from boarding ships in international waters. Coastal nations control territorial waters extending 12 nautical miles from shore, and they have rights over an Exclusive Economic Zone reaching 200 nautical miles. The high seas lie beyond these zones and cover about 64 percent of the ocean. The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea governs maritime law and guarantees freedom of navigation on the high seas.
Israel has intercepted or attacked several Freedom Flotilla vessels in international waters since 2010. Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara in international waters on May 31, 2010, and killed 10 activists while injuring dozens more. UN experts stated in 2024 that the Freedom Flotilla has the right of free passage in international waters, and Israel must not interfere with its freedom of navigation.
International law prohibits Israel from boarding ships in international waters. Coastal nations control territorial waters extending 12 nautical miles from shore, and they have rights over an Exclusive Economic Zone reaching 200 nautical miles. The high seas lie beyond these zones and cover about 64 percent of the ocean. The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea governs maritime law and guarantees freedom of navigation on the high seas.
Israel has intercepted or attacked several Freedom Flotilla vessels in international waters since 2010. Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara in international waters on May 31, 2010, and killed 10 activists while injuring dozens more. UN experts stated in 2024 that the Freedom Flotilla has the right of free passage in international waters, and Israel must not interfere with its freedom of navigation.
