Israeli Navy Jammed Channel 16 and Boarded Civilian Vessels in International Waters — Please Sign Our Petition
Fellow mariners, please consider the following. This should concern anyone who has ever been at sea.
On May 18, 2026, Israeli naval forces intercepted and boarded civilian vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian organization, in international waters. Two serious violations of maritime law occurred that cannot be ignored:
UNCLOS Article 110 — No state has the right to board a foreign civilian vessel on the high seas without flag state consent. None of the legal exceptions apply here.
SOLAS / GMDSS — Israeli forces deliberately jammed VHF Channel 16. The international distress frequency. Spammed with music and blocked with electronic jammers, preventing any vessel from calling for help. Israel has been an IMO member since 1952. They know exactly what Channel 16 is.
This is not a political ask. It is a maritime one. We have drafted a petition citing these violations, addressed to the IMO, the UN, and flag state governments.
The law of the sea exists because lives depend on it. Please sign and share.
link: