[65387] IDF takes control of 'Marmara 2': IHH flotilla to Gaza blocked in the Mediterranean
[65387] IDF takes control of 'Marmara 2': IHH flotilla to Gaza blocked in the Mediterranean
Naval forces have begun an operation to take control of the Turkish flotilla headed for the Gaza Strip on the high seas, while criticism of the internal security situation in Israel is being voiced in the background.
The Flotilla to Gaza: Naval take-over on the high seas
IDF forces began an operation today (Monday) to take control of a convoy of vessels known as "Marmara 2," consisting of 57 vessels that departed from Marmaris, Turkey. According to Political Arena, the flotilla was organized by the Turkish organization IHH, whose activity is banned in Israel due to its ties to Hamas, and hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists are on board the ships.
Political-Security Cabinet - Moriah Asraf & Doron Kadosh reported that the take-over is taking place in international waters, hundreds of miles from Israel's coast near Cyprus. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that this is a "provocation" intended to serve Hamas, divert attention from the organization's refusal to disarm, and thwart the "progress of the Trump peace plan" (to the full report).
According to News Online, in the live broadcasts of the participants, Navy ships were seen approaching the vessels, and subsequently, combatants boarded the decks. The broadcast was cut off shortly thereafter, and no violent resistance has been reported at this stage (to the event documentation).
In the internal arena, journalist Elchanan Groner sharply criticizes the security situation within Israel, comparing what is happening in the Arab sector to "crime neighborhoods in Brazil." Groner calls for the collection of illegal weapons, arguing that it is an existential threat: "On doomsday, everything will be turned against us, and even today crime is devouring society with protection rackets" (to the full post).