The Global Sumud Flotilla’s mission has seen significant developments. Recently, the last of the 42 vessels involved in the flotilla has been intercepted by authorities.
Current Status of Flotilla Vessels
Some boats from the flotilla were tracked arriving at the Ashdod Naval Base in Israel. Notably, several vessels, such as the Estrella Y Manuel, were transmitting AIS data. This allowed their movements to be monitored via MarineTraffic.
Vessel Movements
- The Estrella Y Manuel changed its course towards Ashdod, approximately 50 nautical miles from Gaza.
- As of Friday morning, five flotilla vessels were indicated to be at the port:
- Estrella Y Manuel
- Adara
- Capten Nikos
- Ohwayla
- Seulle
Additionally, the flotilla reported that hundreds of individuals were transferred to the MSC Johannesburg. This Liberia-flagged container ship was located 26 nautical miles from Ashdod at the time of the transfer.
Official Responses and Future Actions
The MSC Johannesburg is currently docked at the north jetty of Ashdod port. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been contacted regarding the status of the vessels and the duration of the detainment of those on board. A response from the Global Sumud Flotilla remains pending.
In a recent statement, the MSC clarified that the flotilla’s claims about the Johannesburg are inaccurate, emphasizing that it is a container ship, not a naval vessel.
As developments unfold, more information will be essential to understand the wider implications of the flotilla’s interception and the status of its participants.
