Tel aviv: The Israeli army on Monday intercepted the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla in international waters, detaining 100 activists. The mission aimed to break the blockade on the Palestinian enclave.
According to Anadolu Agency, live broadcasts from the flotilla showed Israeli naval forces attacking and boarding the boats. The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the activists were detained and transferred to a navy ship before being taken to the port of Ashdod in southern Israel. Media reports indicate that the operation might continue for several hours due to the distance between the vessels.
Video footage shared by organizers depicted activists filming as Israeli forces approached and boarded the boats. Walla news website reported that approximately 100 activists from the humanitarian mission were detained.
In other developments, US President Donald Trump announced the postponement of planned attacks on Iran. Trump stated that regional nations suggested a peace deal was near. Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates advised the delay, believing a resolution could be reached without military action.
In San Diego, five individuals, including two suspected shooters, were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed the deaths and indicated the shooting is being investigated as a potential hate crime.
The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a global health emergency. The outbreak has seen rising suspected infections and deaths, with confirmed cases beyond the initial outbreak zone.
In business news, the US Treasury announced a temporary 30-day general license to access Russian oil stranded at sea. This is seen as part of a broader effort to redirect Russian crude away from strategic competitors like China.
A US jury rejected Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, ending a court battle over nonprofit claims. Musk alleged that OpenAI breached its commitment to remain a nonprofit, but the court dismissed the claims against Altman and Microsoft, which were named in the suit.