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World
Israel is engaging in diplomatic efforts to halt a flotilla of over 60 vessels preparing to sail from Turkey to Gaza.
More than 60 boats and ships are currently docked at the Marmaris marina on the Turkish Riviera, with most having arrived from Italian shores as part of the "Steadfastness" flotilla—a protest convoy heading toward the Gaza coast. The Hebrew newspaper *Maariv* reports that Israel is pursuing diplomatic channels with Turkey and other European nations in an attempt to stop the fleet's departure.
The original flotilla comprised roughly 100 vessels. However, off the coast of Crete, approximately 20 boats were intercepted. Israeli naval commandos from Unit 13 (Shayetet 13) detained over 130 participants, deporting most to Crete while others were taken to the port of Ashdod and expelled over the weekend.
A significant number of pro-Palestinian activists in Marmaris are now preparing to continue the voyage. Organizers include members of the Turkish organization IHH, which was involved in the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident. During that confrontation, Israeli forces boarded the ship and encountered resistance from passengers wielding clubs, iron bars, and knives. According to Israeli military claims, passengers also used firebombs and fired pistols seized from soldiers, and took some troops hostage. Soldiers opened fire, killing nine passengers and wounding 20 others, while ten Israeli soldiers were injured, two seriously.
According to *Maariv*, the Israeli Navy is preparing to intercept the fleet once it leaves Turkish waters. Diplomatic pressure from Israel has so far delayed the vessels' departure, keeping them at anchor.
The Israeli military estimates that once the boats set sail, it will take several days for them to approach Israel's economic waters. The Navy plans to block their route using missile ships, with Shayetet 13 commandos ready to board the vessels. Simultaneously, Israel hopes its diplomatic outreach will ultimately prevent the flotilla from launching at all.
