France Demands Israel Guarantee Security of «Samoud» Fleet Activists
According to the English section of webangah news Agency, citing Al Jazeera, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian urged Israel to ensure the security of activists participating in the “Sumud” flotilla.
He added that France is in contact with Israel to demand consular protection for its citizens on the Sumud flotilla as soon as they arrive.
This statement comes shortly after the global Sumud flotilla confirmed that some of its vessels had been seized by Israeli forces.
The International Committee for Breaking the Gaza Siege also reported that Israeli boats surrounded ships belonging to the Sumud fleet.
According to media reports, as Israeli naval vessels approached the global Sumud flotilla, communication was lost with several vessels, including the Omar al-Mukhtar ship.
Simultaneously occurring, Israeli soldiers broadcast threats over loudspeakers warning activists onboard about arrest. One activist responded by saying: “We are carrying milk and medicine on a humanitarian mission; you are committing war crimes.”
Some news sources stated that Israeli forces detained members onboard two ships named Alma and Cyrus.
Reuters reported that the Israeli navy ordered the Sumud flotilla to change course toward Ashdod port.
