Reconstructing what happened last night during the Israeli Navy’s operation to block most of the vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla is not an easy task. The available images are few, often unclear, and mostly filmed in darkness.
What we do know is that the operation began yesterday evening, around 19:30 CEST, when Israeli naval units intercepted the flotilla on its way to Gaza. The interception reportedly took place about 80 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza – therefore in international waters, outside the embargo zone unilaterally declared by Israel in front of the Strip.
According to fragmentary reports, around fifteen Israeli Navy units were involved. The footage available suggests that smaller vessels were used, in particular patrol boats. Among them, Shaldag-class and Dvora Mk III fast attack craft appear to have taken part, while there are no signs of larger ships – bearing in mind that corvettes are the heaviest units in the Israeli Navy’s inventory. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, as other craft may have been deployed but were not visible in the recordings.
The boardings themselves appear to have been carried out with RIBs launched from the naval units in the area.
From a video, a support unit can then be seen, which should be one of the two General Frank S. Besson-class logistic support vessels.
There are also unconfirmed reports – to be treated with caution – of a possible submarine shadowing the flotilla while submerged in the late afternoon.
No aerial assets were tracked in the area during the operation, but this does not necessarily mean they were absent. Israeli helicopters and drones are rarely, if ever, traceable through open sources.
Not realy a big Surprise: Todays Menu is Schakschuka!
Paela, Spaghetti, Köfte, Zaziki are out.
Facit: The Wolves howl, but the Caravan moves on.