Istanbul: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has strongly condemned Israel's alleged 'kidnapping' of journalists who were aboard the Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla. The flotilla was participating in a mission to deliver aid to Gaza.

According to Anadolu Agency, The CPJ, a New York-based press freedom organization, expressed its concerns on the US social media company X, urging Israel to ensure the safety of all the journalists involved. The organization demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detained journalists, emphasizing the need for their protection.

The CPJ reported that these journalists were apprehended while aboard vessels in international waters, which were part of the Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla. The flotilla was attacked near the Greek island of Crete, approximately 600 nautical miles from Gaza, its intended destination.

The Global Sumud flotilla embarked on its mission with the first ships departing from Barcelona on April 12, followed by the main fleet from Sicily on April 26. The flotilla's aim was to challenge the long-standing blockade on Gaza imposed by Israel since 2007. The blockade has severely affected Gaza's 2.4 million residents, putting them at risk of starvation.

In addition to the blockade, the situation in Gaza has been further exacerbated by an Israeli military offensive launched in October 2023. This offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 72,000 individuals, injuries to more than 172,000 people, and widespread destruction throughout the territory.