Israel’s unilateral aid initiative via the so-called “Gaza Relief Foundation” — backed by the US — is seen by Palestinians as an effort to forcibly transfer civilians southward. The boat, which carried humanitarian supplies and aimed to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza, was intercepted 200km off the coast. Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, said Israel had shown “chilling contempt” for international law by intercepting the unarmed humanitarian vessel. The Gaza Government Media Office described the victims as “hungry aid seekers.” The UN has repeatedly warned that famine threatens the entire population of Gaza. [Photo: Palestinians mourn their loved ones who were killed by Israeli attacks, in Khan Yunis, Gaza on June 11, 2025.