30 April 2026 – 1,100 km from Gaza, in international waters within the Greek SAR zone, Israeli forces intercepted and forcibly boarded at least 21 vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, in which Open Arms has been participating since April 15.
The vessels were threatened with automatic weapons, some were left adrift after their engines were disabled, and interference was reported in emergency communications and navigation systems, causing loss of contact with part of the flotilla.
Despite being in an area of European responsibility and having issued distress signals, no rescue mechanisms were activated. What happened constitutes a serious violation of international maritime law.
At this moment, the Open Arms is carrying out search and rescue operations for the vessels left adrift.
Open Arms demands:
- – Immediate restoration of communications
- – Safety guarantees for all vessels
- – Activation of search and rescue protocols
- – An end to any action that puts the flotilla at risk
