Mikeno, the boat that broke through the Gaza blockade, is reported to have been intercepted.
The ship, carrying Brazilian João Aguiar, was the first of the flotilla to arrive in Palestinian waters since 2008.
247 - After becoming a symbol of courage for the Sumud Global Flotilla after managing to penetrate Palestinian waters off Gaza, the Mikeno ship, which was carrying eight people, was reported as intercepted by the Israeli Naval Forces this Thursday (2), as confirmed by the international coordination of the flotilla.
Messages sent by the organization reported that Israeli military forces boarded the boat in international waters, along with other civilian vessels that were part of the humanitarian mission. Live broadcasts were interrupted and contact with crew members and activists on board is suspended.
History
The Mikeno had made history by breaking through the naval blockade and reaching Palestinian waters—an unprecedented feat since 2008. The ship was carrying food, medicine, and basic supplies, part of the cargo gathered by activists from more than 40 countries to denounce the siege and bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population, which is facing famine and destruction.
The interception comes after nearly all of the flotilla's ships were captured by Israel throughout the week, with dozens of activists and parliamentarians from various countries already detained, including 13 Brazilians. In total, the Brazilian delegation in the flotilla consisted of 15 people, one of whom was... João Aguiar, was exactly on board the Mikeno. There is still no information about his whereabouts or that of Miguel Viveiros de Castro, who was aboard the Catalina.
