Belgian nationals were among those on board ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which Israel has intercepted, according to a spokesperson for the aid initiative.
The flotilla comprises dozens of ships carrying politicians and activists aiming to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip, where an Israeli incursion has triggered a humanitarian crisis.
In recent hours, Israel has stopped at least some of the vessels. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the passengers were being transported to an Israeli port. Among them was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Earlier on Thursday, the organisers confirmed that two Belgians were on ships that were intercepted. These are human rights lawyer Alexis Deswaef and Brussels-based activist Latifa Gharbaoui. Additionally, Irish national Catríona Graham, who has lived in Belgium since 2018, is considered part of the Belgian delegation and was also taken.
An emergency message has since appeared on the official website of the aid flotilla from two other Belgian nationals, namely Belgian artist Navid Lari and artist Saddie Choua. "If you are seeing this video, then I have been kidnapped and am being taken to Israel against my will," the activists say in identical video messages.
In addition, crew members with Belgian nationality are also said to have been intercepted on a support boat, but the organisation has not released their names.
The fate of three Belgians who were on board of other vessels of the aid mission is uncertain. It is not clear how many boats have not yet been intercepted. According to the organisation, three more are still on their way to Gaza, but contact has been lost.
The activists often throw their phones into the water when they are intercepted. After that, it is a matter of waiting for more information from local lawyers.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) stated on Wednesday evening that consular assistance has already been mobilised. He urged the Israeli government to respect international law, including maritime law.
Israel's war on Gaza was triggered after Hamas launched a terror attack into Israel, killing 1,200 people, and taking 251 hostage, in October 2023. The ensuing Israeli offensive has so far killed over 65,000 people in Gaza according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.
