Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla, denies using live ammunition
Israeli forces halt vessels in Mediterranean operation, detaining hundreds of international activists
Israeli forces opened fire on at least two vessels in an aid flotilla sailing towards Gaza on Tuesday, according to video footage and flotilla organisers, but Israel said no live ammunition was used and there were no casualties.
The flotilla was making a renewed attempt to deliver aid to Gaza after earlier missions were intercepted by Israel in international waters.
Video from the flotilla’s livestream showed soldiers firing shots at two of the boats. The type of ammunition fired was not clear.
“At no point was live ammunition fired,” the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement. “Following multiple warnings, non-lethal means were employed toward the vessels – not toward protesters – as a warning. No protesters were injured during these events,” it added.
The Global Sumud Flotilla later said that all 50 boats in the flotilla had been intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean, with 428 participants from more than 40 countries detained, including 78 Turks.
Israel’s foreign ministry said all 430 activists had been transferred to Israeli vessels and were en route to Israel. It said the activists would be allowed to meet their consular representatives.
