International attention has turned to Israel after reports surfaced that 497 people from 46 countries were detained from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission that sought to deliver aid to Gaza.
The flotilla, which organizers described as a peaceful mission to challenge Israel’s blockade, was intercepted at sea earlier this week. Among those detained are citizens from the United States, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Malaysia, Greece, Tunisia, Brazil, Ireland, and dozens of other nations (see infographic).
Critics and human rights groups have condemned the action, calling it an act of “global kidnapping,” while Israeli officials have defended the interception, claiming it was necessary to enforce maritime security restrictions.
The flotilla, made up of several vessels carrying aid and international activists, has revived memories of earlier confrontations at sea, including the deadly 2010 Gaza flotilla raid. Families of those detained have urged their governments to demand immediate release.
The detentions are expected to intensify diplomatic pressure on Israel, as leaders from multiple countries are now facing calls to intervene.
Map of 46 countries whose citizens were among the detained (total: 497 people).
