Israeli warship approaches Gaza bound flotilla, renders lead ship inoperative

An Israeli warship was sighted early on Wednesday in close proximity to the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla with organisers reporting heightened alert in the waters.

An Al Jazeera journalist traveling with the flotilla said that contact with the Alma, the lead vessel, was briefly lost before being reestablished.

According to him, an Israeli naval craft approached the Alma to within roughly five feet, disabling both its communication systems and engine.

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He noted that those on board the ship discarded their mobile phones into the sea, following prearranged security measures. The journalist later reported that the Israeli vessel eventually withdrew, after which the flotilla was able to continue toward Gaza.

The flotilla, aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of the territory, stated that its ships were currently positioned around 121 nautical miles (225 kilometers) from the coastal enclave.