Israel intercepts aid convoy to Gaza; two people taken for questioning

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 2nd that earlier this week, Israeli forces intercepted in international waters near the Greek island of Crete an aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip called the “Global Resilience Fleet,” and that two prominent activists have been taken to Israel for questioning. In a social media post, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two men are Saif Abou Kayshek and Thiago Avila. Abou Kayshek is a senior member of the “Overseas Palestinian Activists Organization,” which the United States has determined is associated with the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas); Avila is also linked to the group and is “allegedly involved in illegal activities.” The statement did not provide any relevant evidence. The ministry said that Abou Kayshek is a Palestinian-origin Spanish citizen, while Avila is a Brazilian citizen, and both are members of the “Global Resilience Fleet” steering committee. The two will be handed over to law-enforcement authorities for questioning. According to Israeli media reports, more than 170 other activists from the intercepted flotilla have also been taken to Crete. The “Global Resilience Fleet” consists of 58 ships. In early April, it set out in stages from places along the Mediterranean coast, including Spain, France and Italy, and planned to head for the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid supplies to local residents. (Xinhua)