Founder of Berlin venue Oyoun captured by Israeli forces as Gaza flotilla intercepted

The co-founder of Berlin music and arts venue Oyoun, Louna Sbou, has been “abducted” by Israeli forces as the Gaza flotilla vessel she was onboard was intercepted earlier this week.

Sbou was part of a hundreds-strong humanitarian mission to break the Israeli occupation’s illegal siege on Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to create a humanitarian corridor to supply medical aid, food, and water to those in Palestine.

Comprising over 40 vessels carrying more than 440 participants in total, including politicians, medical professionals, and activists such as Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, the Global Sumud Flotilla became the largest civilian-led maritime convoy in history.

In a statement shared on October 2, Oyoun confirmed: “On October 1, the Israeli army ambushed the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters – among them Louna Sbou, head of Oyoun, and 18 other Germans”.

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“Their arrest and abduction is a clear violation of international law and an acute threat to life and limb. We demand immediate diplomatic intervention by the German government, clear solidarity from cultural institutions, and broad mobilization of civil society.”

In a pre-recorded video shared after the flotilla’s interception, Sbou explains: “If you see this video, I have been abducted by the IOF or similar and taken to Israel against my will.”

Israel's Foreign Ministry alleges that those on board intercepted vessels are being transferred to an Israeli port to be deported.

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The first vessels began to be intercepted on Wednesday, October 1, as they approached Gaza around 70 nautical miles from the coast – an area that Israel polices, but does not have jurisdiction in. The Global Sumud Flotilla described the interceptions as "illegal".

Israel’s navy told the approaching boats to change course, alleging that they were entering an “active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade", per the BBC.

On October 3 a final vessel named Marinette was intercepted by Israeli forces. It carried six people, and according to tracking information, was sailing in international waters when it was captured.

We’ll continue to report on this story.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter