On May 20, Israeli forces fired warning shots at at least 2 ships in a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza in the Mediterranean, according to live images and information from the train organizers. However, Israel affirmed that no live ammunition was used and no casualties were found.
Video from the live broadcast of the flotilla shows soldiers firing at the two ships. The type of ammunition used has not been clearly identified. The Israeli Foreign Ministry later declared that the country's forces only used "non-lethal measures" after repeated warnings to the ships.
No live ammunition was used," the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement. According to Israel, the measures were deployed to warn ships, not targeting protesters, and no one was injured in the incident.
The Global Sumud Flotilla organization then announced that all 50 ships in the flotilla had been intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean. This group said that 428 people from more than 40 countries were arrested, including 78 Turkish citizens.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that about 430 activists have been transferred to Israeli ships and are on their way to Israel. The country's authorities said that those detained will meet with their consular representatives. The number of participants announced by both sides is different and has not been clarified immediately.
Earlier, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on social network X that the country "will not allow any violations of the legal naval blockade against Gaza".
The flotilla of the Global Sumud Flotilla organization left southern Turkey on May 15 in its 3rd attempt to deliver aid to Gaza, after previous missions were also blocked by Israel in international waters. The organization previously said that 426 people from 39 countries participated in the journey.
Speaking in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel's intervention in those he called "travelers of hope", and called on the international community to act against Israel's moves.
On the same day, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against 4 individuals related to the flotilla that Washington described as "supporting Hamas". Palestinian activists refuted this accusation and argued that Israel and the US are equating the activities of advocating for Palestinian rights with supporting Hamas.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be the focus of international controversy. Palestinians and international relief organizations said that the amount of supplies to Gaza is still not enough, despite the ceasefire agreement reached in October including a commitment to increase aid.
According to international organizations, most of the more than 2 million Gaza residents have had to leave their homes. Many people currently live in destroyed houses or temporary tents set up on vacant land, roadsides or on the rubble of destroyed structures.
