2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla

Attempt to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip yes April 2020 thumb|Gaza Flotilla Route The 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla was a small fleet of ships by the Free Gaza Movement and the Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (İHH). The Flotilla mission to Gaza had the explicit goal of carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials with the intention of breaking the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.Buck Tobias Dombey Daniel Strauss Delphine Financial Times Israel condemned after flotilla attack 31 May 2010 https://www.ft.com/content/b09c57f6-6c80-11df-91c8-00144feab49a 24 June 2010Ian Black 31 May 2010 Haroon Siddique https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/31/q-a-gaza-freedom-flotilla Q&A: The Gaza Freedom flotilla The Guardian London 2 June 2010 In typical circumstances, aid is first brought to Israel to be inspected and then transferred to Gaza.Ravid Barak Israel: Gaza aid convoy can unload cargo in Ashdod for inspection https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-gaza-aid-convoy-can-unload-cargo-in-ashdod-for-inspection-1.292560 https://web.archive.org/web/20100530035355/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-gaza-aid-convoy-can-unload-cargo-in-ashdod-for-inspection-1.292560 dead 30 May 2010 13 July 2014 Haaretz 27 May 2010 On 31 May 2010, Israeli forces boarded the ships in a raid from speedboats and helicopters. Following resistance on one of the boats, nine activists were killed by Israeli forces. Widespread international condemnation of and reaction to the raid followed, Israel–Turkey relations were strained, and Israel subsequently eased its blockade on the Gaza Strip. Overview The flotilla was the Free Gaza Movement's ninth attempt to break the naval blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip.Foulkes Imogen 14 June 2010 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10306193 ICRC says Israel's Gaza blockade breaks law BBC News 3 October 2011 • 14 August 2009 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,539363,00.html U.N. Human Rights Chief: Israel's Blockade of Gaza Strip Is Illegal Fox News 3 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111020193536/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,539363,00.html 20 October 2011 dead Israel proposed inspecting the cargo at the Port of Ashdod and then delivering non-blockaded goods through land crossings, but this proposal was turned down. Israeli forces then raided and seized the Gaza-bound ships in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Five shipments had been allowed through prior to the 2008–09 Gaza War, but all shipments following the war were blocked by Israel.Demirjian Karoun 28 May 2010 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2011964191_apmlisraelshipstogaza.html Israeli commandos to block Gaza activists The Seattle Times Associated Press 3 October 2011 This flotilla was the largest to date. An Islamic aid group from Turkey, the İHH (İnsani Yardım Vakfı) (Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief) sponsored a large passenger ship and two cargo ships. While the UN's official report found Israel's blockade of Gaza to be legal,https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/world/middleeast/02flotilla.html Report Finds Naval Blockade by Israel Legal but Faults Raid The New York Times 2 September 2011 Neil MacFarquhar Ethan Bronnerhttps://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=236369 Palmer report: Gaza blockade legal, IDF force excessive another set of UN experts, reporting to the Human Rights Council, came to the opposite conclusion finding that it violated international law.U.N. experts say Israel's blockade of Gaza illegal https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-gaza-rights-idUSTRE78C59R20110913 Reuters 13 September 2011 Organization Ships The ships of the Gaza flotilla raid comprised three passenger ships and three cargo ships: Challenger 1 (small yacht), US, Free Gaza Movement MS Eleftheri Mesogios (Free Mediterranean) or Sofia (cargo boat), Greece, SwedenUNHRC report 2010 20 Greek Ship to Gaza Sfendoni(small passenger boat), Greece Greek Ship to Gaza and European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza MV Mavi Marmara (passenger ship), Comoros, İHH Gazze, Turkey, İHH Defne Y, Kiribati, İHH Two other Free Gaza Movement ships, Challenger 2 (USA flagged) and MV Rachel Corrie (Cambodia flagged) were behind the rest of the flotilla due to mechanical problems. There have been claims this was due to Israeli sabotage.Lis Jonathan Haaretz Mossad chief: Israel gradually becoming burden on U.S. 1 June 2010 https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/mossad-chief-israel-gradually-becoming-burden-on-u-s-1.293540 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604192539/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/mossad-chief-israel-gradually-becoming-burden-on-u-s-1.293540 dead 4 June 2010 5 June 2010• https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/7802608/Gaza-flotilla-Israel-accused-of-sabotaging-Irish-aid-ship-Rachel-Corrie.html Gaza flotilla: Israel accused of 'sabotaging' Irish aid ship Rachel Corrie Daily Telegraph London 4 June 2010 25 June 2011• Booth Robert Black Ian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/01/israel-gaza-flotilla-sabotage-suspected Gaza aid flotilla: Israeli sabotage suspected The Guardian London 1 June 2010 26 June 2010 Challenger 2 aborted,June 2011 but the Rachel Corrie continued its journey.Taoiseach warns Israel of 'consequences' over arrests http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0601/breaking33.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100605134156/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0601/breaking33.html Irish Times 1 June 2010 5 June 2010 13 June 2011 MV Rachel Corrie ... is ploughing ahead with its attempt to deliver aid to Gaza despite yesterday's deadly attack by the Israeli navy on a Gaza-bound flotilla. Flag Name Organisation Port Passengers Crew Cargo USA USA Challenger 1 Free Gaza Movement Heraklion USA USA Challenger 2 Free Gaza Movement Heraklion Greece Greece MS Eleftheri Mesogeios Greek Ship to Gaza Piraeus Wheelchairs, building materials, medicine2 June 2010 http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NjExOTg4MDAz Freed activists recount bullets, electroshocks Kuwait Times https://web.archive.org/web/20110617020512/http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NjExOTg4MDAz 17 June 2011 3 October 2011 Greece Greece Sfendoni Greek Ship to Gaza,European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza Piraeus Comoros Comoros MV Mavi Marmara IHH Antalya 581 Turkey Turkey Gazze IHH Antalya 5 13 2,104 tons of cement, 600 tons of construction steel, and 50 tons of tiles28 May 2010 http://www.aksam.com.tr/2010/05/28/haber/dunya/5319/ozgurluk_filosu_nu_komandolar_basacak.html https://archive.today/20121002122258/http://www.aksam.com.tr/2010/05/28/haber/dunya/5319/ozgurluk_filosu_nu_komandolar_basacak.html dead 2 October 2012 Özgürlük Filosu'nu komandolar basacak Commandos will board Liberty Fleet tr Istanbul Aksam 3 October 2011 Kiribati Kiribati MV Defne Y IHH Antalya 27 23 150 tons of iron, 98 power units, 50 precast homes, 16 units of children's playground equipment, food, shoes, medicine, wheelchairs, clothing items, notebooks and textbooksMohyeldin Ayman http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2010/06/01/evidence-belies-israeli-claim Evidence belies Israeli claim Al Jazeera 1 June 2010 12 June 2010 Cambodia Cambodia MV Rachel Corrie Free Gaza Movement Dundalk 11 8 550 tons of cement, 20 tons of paper, 100 tons of high-end medical equipment, wheelchairs, books, fabric, and thread Cargo Three of the flotilla ships carried only passengers and their personal belongings, while three other ships carried 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid, with an estimated value of $20 million. The cargo included food, wheelchairs, books, toys, electricity generators, operating theater equipment, medicines,Sherwood Harriet 25 May 2010 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/25/gaza-flotilla-aid-attempt Gaza aid flotilla to set sail for confrontation with Israel The Guardian London 3 October 2011• 28 May 2010 王寒露 (Wáng Hánlù) http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90854/7004513.html Turkish aid ship leaves for Gaza Beijing People's Daily Online 3 October 2011 medical equipment, textiles, footwear, cash, mobility scooters, sofas, and building materials, such as cement, which are prohibited under the Israeli blockade, although Israel offered to allow the cement to enter Gaza, if the flotilla were to dock in Ashdod.February 2023 thumb|Night vision binoculars found on the deck of the Mavi Marmara, along with a scope to be mounted on a sniper rifle, according to IDF thumb|Knives, wrenches, and wooden clubs used to attack the soldiers during the flotilla raid, according to IDF thumb|Bulletproof vests found on the deck of the Marmara, according to IDF Israeli news reported the flotilla to be carrying ballistic vests, gas masks, night-vision goggles, clubs, and slingshots, although the UNHRC report does not mention these itemsUNHRC report 2010 22–24 and in the Turkish Report on the Israeli attack on the Humanitarian Aid Convoy to Gaza it states that all passengers and crew as well as the cargo were searched to international standards and no weapons were found, on the ships departing from Turkey.Turkish NCI interim report 2010 10: "All personal belongings and cargo were also thoroughly inspected and cleared."• Turkish NCI final report 2011 113. thumb|Seen here are many boxes of expired medicine which were to be delivered as aid by the Gaza flotilla. Two-thirds of the medicines delivered by the flotilla expired between six and fifteen months prior to the raid,8 June 2010 Hamas prevents flotilla aid from entering Gaza https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-prevents-flotilla-aid-from-entering-gaza-1.294938 Haaretz DPA 23 November 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101123060815/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-prevents-flotilla-aid-from-entering-gaza-1.294938 dead 3 October 2011 and were found to be useless. Operating theater equipment, which was supposed to be kept sterile, was carelessly wrapped. The expiring medications and sensitive equipment were kept in frozen storage in the Israeli Defense Ministry before delivery to Gaza.Ronen Gil 10 June 2010 http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/news.aspx/137997 It's Official: There was No Humanitarian Aid on Mavi Marmara Israel National News 3 October 2011 Passengers List of participants of the Gaza flotilla In previous voyages, Free Gaza vessels carried 140 passengers in total. In this flotilla, over 600 activists were on board the Mavi Marmara alone. There were 663 passengers from 37 nations on board the flotilla. Notable people aboard the flotilla included former UN Assistant Secretary-General Denis Halliday, former U.S. Ambassador to Mauritania Edward Peck, and Liberty AGTR-5 6 survivor Joe Meadors.Sugden Joanna 1 June 2010 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7141720.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20110917232456/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7141720.ece dead 17 September 2011 Gaza ships: the passenger list London The Times 3 October 2011 Israeli-Arab member of Knesset Haneen Zoubi, leader of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel Raed Salah, Swedish novelist Henning Mankell, convicted hijacker Erdinç Tekir, who participated in the Black Sea hijacking,20 August 2011 http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkish-press-scan-for-aug.-20-2010-08-20 Turkish Press Scan for Aug. 20: Two Ships, Same Activist Hürriyet Daily News 3 October 2011 and a number of parliamentarians from European and Arab national legislatures and the European Parliament.McGeough Paul 31 May 2010 http://www.smh.com.au/world/tension-builds-as-flotilla-approaches-gaza-20100530-wnjb.html Tension builds as flotilla approaches Gaza Sydney Morning Herald 8 June 2010 Ties with groups marked as terror organizations In June 2010 U.S. Assistant Secretary of State P. J. Crowley told reporters Wednesday: "'We know that IHH representatives have met with senior Hamas officials in Turkey, Syria and Gaza over the past three years,'" and "'That is obviously of great concern to us.'"Krieger Hilary 3 June 2010 https://www.jpost.com/International/US-concerned-over-IHH-Hamas-ties US concerned over IHH-Hamas ties Jerusalem Post 3 June 2010 IHH has been investigated for its ties the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, and Al-Qaeda since at least 2008. Germany even banned İHH's German wing on July 12, 2010, stating that the group had direct links to Hamas, and provided it with material support.2010-07-26 What is the İHH? https://www.americanprogress.org/article/what-is-the-ihh/ 2025-09-18 Center for American Progress en The AP was quoted on MSNBC: "The Turkish Islamic charity behind a flotilla of aid ships that was raided by Israeli forces on its way to Gaza had ties to terrorism networks, including a 1999 Al-Qaeda plot to bomb Los Angeles International Airport, France's former top anti-terrorism judge said Wednesday."de Montesquiou Alfred 2 June 2010 http://www.nbcnews.com/id/37477182/ns/world_news-europe/t/turkish-aid-group-had-terror-ties/ https://web.archive.org/web/20141107013039/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/37477182/ns/world_news-europe/t/turkish-aid-group-had-terror-ties/ dead 7 November 2014 Turkish aid group had terror ties NBC News 2 June 2010 In June 2012, it was reported that the IHH director Fehmi Bülent Yıldırım was reportedly being investigated by Turkish authorities for allegedly creating a financial partnership with Al-Qaeda.17 July 2012 http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/Data/articles/Art_20359/E_128_12_1881078791.pdf Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center According to the Turkish media (June 2012), IHH head Bülent Yildirim was under investigation for having clandestinely transferred funds to Al-Qaeda. Motives thumb|In a still taken from video footage filmed on the deck of the ship, activists on the Mavi Marmara throw a stun grenade at Israeli Navy commando soldiers. thumb|Footage taken from the Mavi Marmara security cameras shows the activists preparing to fight Israeli soldiers. According to an early IDF press release, the ship carried 75 mercenaries with links to al-Qaeda and other terror organizations, who carried $10,000 apiece on their persons.Benhorin Yitzhak 13 June 2010 Ayalon to CNN: We won't apologize for flotilla raid http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3904526,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv https://web.archive.org/web/20100616061443/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3904526,00.html 16 June 2010 live 24 June 2011 The claim was never substantiated and was later withdrawn.Shabi Rachel 6 June 2010 Israel forced to apologise for YouTube spoof of Gaza flotilla https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/06/israel-youtube-gaza-flotilla The Guardian London 1 July 2011 Israel has said that the group boarded separately in a different city and went on deck under different procedures. The Turkish Customs officials and the İHH denied the allegations.Federman Josef http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jun/6/israel-says-activists-prepared-fight-ship/ Israel says activists prepared for fight on ship The Washington Times 6 June 2010 3 April 2011 The impending arrival of the fleet was known to Israel government, military intelligence and press.28 May 2010 Head to Head in the Heart of the Sea Maariv 4Blumenthal Max 3 June 2010 http://maxblumenthal.com/2010/06/the-flotilla-raid-was-not-bungled-the-idf-detailed-its-violent-strategy-in-advance/ The Flotilla Raid Was Not 'Bungled.' The IDF Detailed Its Violent Strategy in Advance MaxBlumenthal.com 8 June 2010 27 December 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181227045928/http://maxblumenthal.com/2010/06/the-flotilla-raid-was-not-bungled-the-idf-detailed-its-violent-strategy-in-advance/ dead Israel said that the flotilla was violating international law, but one of the flotilla's organizers, Greta Berlin, stated that "[w]e have the right to sail from international waters into the waters of Gaza". Israel informed the fleet that it would be redirected to the port of AshdodKershner Isabel 27 May 2010 https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/28/world/middleeast/28mideast.html?fta=y Defying Blockade, Cargo and Passenger Vessels Head for Gaza New York Times 25 June 2010 and the cargo would be transferred to Gaza after undergoing a security inspection.Fox News NewsCore and AP https://www.foxnews.com/world/israeli-officials-claim-aid-flotilla-had-ties-to-al-qaeda-pm-gives-military-full-support/ Israeli Officials Claim Aid Flotilla Had Ties to Al Qaeda, PM Gives Military 'Full Support' 31 May 2010 Fox News 2 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101002144852/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/05/30/reports-israeli-ships-attack-aid-flotilla-dead/ live 25 June 2011 Foreigners would be deported or, if they did not willingly agree to be deported, detained. The flotilla organisers rejected Israel's demand, as it did not believe that Israel would transfer the cargo to Gaza, and said: "This mission is not about delivering humanitarian supplies, it's about breaking Israel's siege on 1.5 million Palestinians [...]http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/2010528431964325.html Tensions rise over Gaza aid fleet Al Jazeera English 28 May 2010 Al Jazeera and agencies 25 June 2010 We want to raise international awareness about the prison-like closure of Gaza and pressure the international community to review its sanctions policy and end its support for continued Israeli occupation." The UNHRC fact-finding mission noted a "certain tension between the political objectives of the flotilla and its humanitarian objectives", which came to light "the moment the Government of Israel made offers to allow the humanitarian aid to be delivered via Israeli ports but under the supervision of a neutral organization". It also announced that Gaza did not have a deep sea port capable of receiving the sort of cargo ships participating in the flotilla. It concluded that "whilst the mission is satisfied that the flotilla constituted a serious attempt to bring essential humanitarian supplies into Gaza, it seems clear that the primary objective was political, as indeed demonstrated by the decision of those on board the Rachel Corrie to reject a Government of Ireland-sponsored proposal that the cargo in that ship be allowed through Ashdod intact".UNHRC report 2010 19 Some supporters of the flotilla said that "a violent response from Israel will breathe new life into the Palestine solidarity movement, drawing attention to the blockade."http://intifada-palestine.com/2010/05/gaza-freedom-march-prepares-emergency-response-for-freedom-flotilla/ Gaza Freedom March Prepares Emergency Response for Freedom FLOTILLA Intifada Palestine 28 May 2010 25 June 2011 5 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305174345/http://www.intifada-palestine.com/2010/05/gaza-freedom-march-prepares-emergency-response-for-freedom-flotilla/ dead • New York Times: Editorial https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/opinion/02wed1.html Israel and the Blockade 1 June 2010 4 June 2010 Two of the activists (Ali Haydar Bengi and Ibrahim Bilgen) who died during the MV Mavi Marmara clash had previously said that they wished for martyrdom. On 29 May, Aljazeera broadcast footage of Mavi Marmara activists participating in a chant calling for battle against Jews.Marcus Itamar Zilberdik Nan Jacques 31 May 2010 http://www.palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=2323 Gaza flotilla participants created war atmosphere before confronting Israel Palestinian Media Watch 25 June 2011 Former U.S. Marine Kenneth O'Keefe, who was aboard the Mavi Marmara, stated that the activists knew from the outset that there would be no passive resistance. "I knew that if the Israelis boarded that ship, it would be a disaster [...] You have to be an idiot to board that ship and think it will be a ship of passive resistance", he told Haaretz newspaper.Sheizaf Noam 24 September 2010 https://www.haaretz.com/weekend/magazine/rough-passage-1.315481 https://web.archive.org/web/20100926010334/http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/magazine/rough-passage-1.315481 dead 26 September 2010 Rough Passage Haaretz 3 April 2011 Initial leg Six of the eight ships set out on 30 May 2010 from international waters off the coast of Cyprus; the remaining two were delayed by mechanical problems.http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=110502 4 Turks dead on aid ship Business Day Foreign staff 1 June 2010 3 June 2010 6 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120306040019/http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=110502 dead "We do not even have a jackknife here, but we will not let Israeli soldiers on board this ship", İHH leader Fehmi Bülent Yıldırım told reporters via a live video stream before the convoy set sail. The government of Cyprus refused to cooperate with the Free Gaza Movement or allow activists to sail from its harbors. The Cyprus Police stated that "anything related to the trip to Gaza is not permitted", and as a result remaining MPs and activists embarked instead from Famagusta in Northern Cyprus.Kambas Michele 28 May 2010 http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE64R19P.htm Cyprus bans activists from joining flotilla AlertNet Thomson Reuters Foundation 4 October 2011Psyllides George 30 May 2010 http://www.cyprus-mail.com/cyprus/flotilla-ready-set-sail/20100530 Flotilla ready to set sail Cyprus Mail 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100601173149/http://www.cyprus-mail.com/cyprus/flotilla-ready-set-sail/20100530 1 June 2010 dead Cypriot and Greek MPs and activists refused to embark via ports in Northern Cyprus.Kourakis T 29 May 2010 Ευρωπαίοι ακτιβιστές έφυγαν από τα κατεχόμενα για τη Γάζα European activists have left for occupied Gaza el http://news.in.gr/greece/article/?aid=1231046788 In.gr 4 June 2010 Having been delayed by two days, the flotilla aimed to reach Gaza on the afternoon of 31 May. Pre-raid sabotage rumors There are claims that the IDF or the Mossad may have sabotaged three of the ships before the raid. According to the National Post, Israeli deputy defense minister Matan Vilnai hinted that Israel had exhausted covert means of stalling the vessels. He said: "Everything was considered. I don't want to elaborate beyond that, because the fact is there were not up to 10, or however many ships were [originally] planned."Williams Dan 1 June 2010 Israel admits mistakes in boarding ship https://nationalpost.com/news/world/Israel+admits+mistakes+boarding+ship/3100603/story.html#ixzz0sC6xcKZd https://archive.today/20100606055157/http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/Israel+admits+mistakes+boarding+ship/3100603/story.html dead 6 June 2010 National Post Reuters 4 October 2011 A senior IDF officer hinted to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that some of the vessels had been tampered with to halt them far from the Gaza or Israeli coast.Macintyre Donald Green Toby 5 June 2010 Israel warns Gaza-bound 'Rachel Corrie' to stop https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-warns-gazabound-rachel-corrie-to-stop-1992079.html The Independent London 28 June 2010 According to UPI press coverage, the officer alluded to "grey operations" against the flotilla and said that no such action had been taken against the Mavi Marmara out of fear that the vessel might be stranded in the middle of the sea, endangering the people on board. Israel was accused of sabotaging activist ships in the past but no evidence has been found to back up these claims. Three ships – the Rachel Corrie, the Challenger I and the Challenger II – suffered damage or malfunction. While the Challenger I was able to continue, the Challenger II had to turn back halfway through the journey and Rachel Corrie docked for repairs in Malta. Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza Movement said that electric wires may have been tampered with.2 June 2010 Israel releases last of activists seized on aid ships http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article444828.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20100728045042/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article444828.ece dead 28 July 2010 The Hindu Chennai, India DPA 5 October 2011 2010 raid and aftermath 2010 Gaza flotilla raid Israeli forces raided the flotilla on the night of 30–31 May 2010 in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea, boarding the ships using speedboats and helicopters. Nine activists were killed. Dozens of activists and seven Israeli soldiers were injured. thumb|Children's toys from the Gaza flotilla are unloaded at the Ashdod Port, to be shipped to the Gaza Strip via the Kerem Shalom Crossing. After the raid, the activists were detained in Israel pending release: all were deported by 6 June. The ships were towed to Israel and those claimed by their owners were returned. The aid was delivered to Gaza under United Nations supervision on 17 June. Widespread international condemnation of and reaction to the raid followed. Various investigations were conducted, including by the United Nations, Israel and Turkey. Israel-Turkey relations were strained, and Israel subsequently eased its blockade on Gaza. Subsequent events Gaza Freedom Flotilla Following the incident, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition was established to coordinate further efforts against the Israeli blockade. Since then, attempts with the Freedom Flotilla II in 2011, Freedom Flotilla III in 2015, Women's Boat to Gaza in 2016, Just Future for Palestine Flotilla in 2018, and flotillas in June and July 2025, have all been intercepted, raided or attacked by Israeli forces.31 August 2025 The Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza: Everything you need to know https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/31/the-global-sumud-flotilla-to-gaza-everything-you-need-to-know 31 August 2025 Al Jazeera English In August, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, and began launching a series of flotilla convoys towards Gaza.Morales Mauricio 2025-08-31 Sumud, the largest flotilla to sail for Gaza, prepares to set out https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/31/sumud-the-largest-flotilla-to-sail-for-gaza-prepares-to-set-out 2025-09-03 Al Jazeera English en Documentary A 2017 Jordanian documentary, The Truth: Lost at Sea, recalls the story of the flotilla.The Truth: Lost at Sea https://palestinecinema.com/movies/the-truth-lost-at-sea 2024-06-15 palestinecinema.com See also Women's Boat to Gaza (2016) 2024 Gaza freedom flotilla Notes References Colum Lynch 1 June 2010 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/01/AR2010060102934.html?hpid=topnews Israel's flotilla raid revives questions of international law The Washington Post 3 April 2011 Mitnick Joshua 1 June 2010 https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703703704575277632709673018 Flotilla Assault Off Gaza Spurs Crisis The Wall Street Journal 3 April 2011 Kosharek Noah 6 June 2010 https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-to-deport-all-activists-seized-on-gaza-flotilla-1.293634 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604193120/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-transfers-hundreds-of-gaza-flotilla-activists-to-airport-for-deportation-1.293634 dead 4 June 2010 Israel transfers hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists to airport for deportation Haaretz 3 April 2011 Amos Harel Avi Issacharoff Anshel Pfeffer 31 May 2010 https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/at-least-10-activists-killed-in-israel-navy-clashes-onboard-gaza-aid-flotilla-1.293089 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603030216/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-navy-commandos-gaza-flotilla-activists-tried-to-lynch-us-1.293089 dead 3 June 2010 Israel Navy commandos: Gaza flotilla activists tried to lynch us Haaretz 11 June 2011 Marc Champion Margaret Coker 4 June 2010 https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704025304575284081264400448?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLETopStories Israel-Turkey Crisis: U.S. Citizen Among Dead in Gaza Ship Raid The Wall Street Journal 15 June 2010 Sherwood Harriet 3 June 2010 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/03/hamas-flotilla-aid-israel Hamas refuses flotilla aid delivered by Israel The Guardian London 4 June 2010 Keinon Herb 24 August 2010 https://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=185741 Activist on 'Mavi Marmara' Black Sea ferry hijacker Jerusalem Post 3 April 2011 AFP staff 27 May 2010 http://www.france24.com/en/20100528-gaza-aid-fleet-undeterred-israel-steps-warnings Gaza aid fleet undeterred as Israel steps up warnings France 24 AFP 7 June 2010 October 2011 31 May 2010 CNN World (CNN staff) http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/gaza.flotilla.aid/index.html Q&A: Aid and Israel's Gaza blockade 3 June 2010 Spencer Richard 2 June 2010 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/7798493/Gaza-flotilla-attack-Turkish-activists-killed-in-raid-wanted-to-be-martyrs.html Gaza flotilla attack: Turkish activists killed in raid 'wanted to be martyrs' Daily Telegraph London 25 June 2010 2 June 2010 http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/06/02/Did-Israel-tamper-with-flotilla/UPI-53561275514260/ Did Israel tamper with flotilla? United Press International 28 June 2010 Lis Jonathan 1 June 2010 https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/mossad-chief-israel-gradually-becoming-burden-on-u-s-1.293540 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604192539/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/mossad-chief-israel-gradually-becoming-burden-on-u-s-1.293540 dead 4 June 2010 Mossad chief: Israel gradually becoming burden on U.S. Haaretz 28 June 2010 6 June 2010 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10203726 Q&A: Israeli deadly raid on aid flotilla BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20100715035952/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10203726 15 July 2010 live 27 October 2011 . Often updated. 20 August 2010 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t14n Death in the Med BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20100827002611/http://www.justjournalism.com/bbc-focus/view/death-in-the-med-the-transcript 27 August 2010 liveSee also possible alternate availability Friedman Ron 3 June 2010 https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177342 Wheelchairs as well as weapons found on board aid ships Jerusalem Post Soncan Emre Salcioğlu Muzaffer Yenilmez Cihan 31 May 2010 http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-211697-customs-officials-deny-israeli-claims-weapons-were-onboard.html Customs officials deny Israeli claims weapons were onboard Today's Zaman 27 October 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121005120521/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-211697-customs-officials-deny-israeli-claims-weapons-were-onboard.html 5 October 2012 Sources Attorney general drops case against Israeli participants in Freedom Flotilla Carabott Sarah 2025-05-02 Gaza aid vessel 'attacked by drones' just outside Malta waters https://timesofmalta.com/article/gaza-aid-vessel-attacked-drones-outside-malta-waters.1109052 2025-05-02 Times of Malta en-gb Carabott 2025a Goillandeau Martin Symons Todd Salman Abeer Magramo Kathleen 2025-05-02 Gaza Freedom Flotilla says ship has issued SOS, after alleged drone attack off the coast of Malta https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/02/europe/gaza-flotilla-ship-sos-intl-hkn 2025-05-02 CNN en Uras Umut Jamal Urooba 2025-05-02 'Strangulation': Israel kills 31 in Gaza as aid blockade starves children https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/5/2/live-israel-kills-at-least-31-in-gaza-as-aid-blockade-starves-children 2025-05-02 Al Jazeera en http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/15session/A.HRC.15.21_en.pdf Report of the international fact-finding mission to investigate violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, resulting from the Israeli attacks on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian assistance 66 UN Human Rights Council 27 September 2010 12 June 2011 UNHRC report 2010 http://dosyalar.hurriyet.com.tr/mavimarmara_rapor.pdf Interim Report on the Israeli Attack on the Humanitarian Aid Convoy to Gaza on 31 May 2010 Ankara Turkish National Commission of Inquiry 74 September 2010 23 June 2011 Turkish NCI interim report 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110928224118/http://dosyalar.hurriyet.com.tr/mavimarmara_rapor.pdf 28 September 2011 http://www.gif.org.tr/eng/pdf/110210_Turkey_Final_Report.pdf Report on the Israeli Attack on the Humanitarian Aid Convoy to Gaza on 31 May 2010 Ankara Turkish National Commission of Inquiry 117 February 2011 13 June 2011 Turkish NCI final report 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110301181951/http://www.gif.org.tr/eng/pdf/110210_Turkey_Final_Report.pdf 1 March 2011 32.64113 33.56727 type:event_region:XZ title * Category:Greece–Israel relations Category:Israel–Turkey relations Category:Israel–United States relations Category:Gaza flotillas