The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, stated that the attack carried out by Zionist enemy naval forces against vessels of the “Steadfastness Fleet,” which departed from Turkish shores to break the unjust blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, constitutes a “full-fledged act of piracy.” The group added that the operation involved assaults on activists and their detention.
In a statement issued on Monday, Hamas said that the fascist enemy "government" is persisting in committing piracy against international solidarity activists who are fulfilling their humanitarian and moral duty in support of Gaza and its besieged population that is facing a war of extermination, starvation, and an ongoing blockade in full view of the world.
Hamas called on all countries, the United Nations, and human rights and humanitarian organizations to condemn the incident, hold the occupation's leaders accountable for the repeated violations of international law, and take immediate action to secure the release of detained activists. It also urged an end to the unjust and unlawful blockade imposed on more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The movement praised the free activists involved in the fleet, who carried Gaza’s humanitarian message to the world and insisted on confronting Israeli terrorism, arrogance, and fascist measures. Hamas further called for the continuation of “Freedom and Steadfastness Fleet” initiatives in support of the Palestinian people and in defense of justice and human dignity, until the blockade is lifted and the occupation ends.
Earlier on Monday, Zionist enemy forces began an operation to take control of the “Global Steadfastness Fleet,” which had set sail last Thursday from Turkish coasts in a renewed attempt to break the blockade on Gaza.
An activist from the Steadfastness Fleet told Al Jazeera Mubasher that contact had been lost with approximately 23 vessels following the enemy attack.
She also reported that Zionst enemy naval forces detained around 180 activists who were on board the boats and ships attacked during the operation.
