Flotilla Tension: Global Reactions to Israel's Interception at Sea

Israeli forces halted several boats, part of a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, sparking worldwide condemnation. The event is criticized as unlawful and an act of piracy by various nations and organizations. Israeli authorities assert passengers' safety. There are calls for immediate action to lift the Gaza blockade.

In a high-seas confrontation, Israeli forces intercepted several boats from a flotilla carrying aid to the Gaza Strip, organizers reported Thursday, a move causing a wave of international backlash. Despite the intervention, other vessels continue their journey to the Palestinian enclave, based on the flotilla's tracking data.

Global reactions poured in swiftly. The flotilla's organizers decried the incident as illegal interception in international waters. A Greek representative on the flotilla labeled the action as acts of piracy contravening international maritime law, urging the Greek government to secure the safety of its nationals aboard.

Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Ministry defended the action, assuring that passengers on board were in good health. In contrast, ministries and leaders from Palestine, Turkey, and several other countries, denounced the interception as violating international maritime norms and an affront to humanitarian efforts, urging swift rectifications.

(With inputs from agencies.)