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An Ohio University professor was among the passengers on a flotilla intercepted by the Israeli military
By: WOUB News Team | The Associated Press
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — An Ohio University professor was among the scores of passengers detained after the Israeli military intercepted a flotilla headed for Gaza on a humanitarian mission.
Hayes was on a boat called the Conscience, which was carrying dozens of international journalists and medical professionals from 25 countries, according to the group Ohio University Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine.
The Israeli ministry said the 145 activists taking part in the flotilla were in good health and were being brought to shore in Israel for processing before they are deported.
The flotilla was carrying some food and medical aid destined for Gaza hospitals.
Organizers said the fleet was intercepted around 120 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. Cameras aboard the vessels, one large passenger ship and eight smaller sailboats, broadcast the interceptions live.
The boats could be seen being approached by fast-moving ships and then boarded by Israeli troops, who then cut off the broadcast. Activists also said an Israeli helicopter flew over them. No injuries were reported.
Wednesday’s interception came after nearly 450 activists from a previous, high-profile flotilla — including European lawmakers and climate activist Greta Thunberg — were intercepted on more than 40 boats last week trying to reach Gaza.
Flotilla activists say they want to break Israel’s blockade and establish a humanitarian corridor by sea, given the little aid that reaches Gaza by land. They have vowed to try again.