Israeli forces intercept Gaza aid flotilla, Greta Thunberg, other activists detained
Israeli naval forces have intercepted and boarded several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining dozens of activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
The flotilla, a convoy of over 40 civilian ships carrying humanitarian aid and supporters of Palestinian rights, attempted to breach the naval blockade of Gaza.
According to flotilla organisers, the vessels were boarded about 70 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast. Communications from several boats were cut, and activists reported that their livestream and signalling systems were disabled prior to boarding.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that multiple ships were “safely stopped” and that detainees, including Thunberg, were being transferred to the port of Ashdod.
READ ALSO: Everything You Need to Know: The global sumud flotilla sets sail for Gaza
In a video posted by the ministry, Thunberg is shown seated on a deck with soldiers nearby. The statement said she and others were “safe and healthy.”
Flotilla organisers say the ships targeted include Alma, Spectre, Sirius, Adara, Deir Yassin/Mali, and Huga. Some vessels were reportedly hit with water cannons, and one was said to be deliberately rammed.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is made up of around 500 activists from more than 40 countries, including representatives from Europe, Turkey, Malaysia, and others.
Activists described scenes of confusion and helplessness. They claimed that the Israeli navy operated aggressively and that ships were boarded without prior consent.
READ ALSO: Gaza-bound flotilla ship attacked off Tunisia, organisers say “mission continues”
An Israeli foreign ministry post warned the flotilla participants that they were entering an “active combat zone” and asked them to use established channels to send aid instead.
Some detainees have reportedly been offered deportation, while others may be taken to court, depending on Israeli legal procedures.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN said that deportation could follow once Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday, concludes.
Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the intercept, calling it a breach of international law and demanding swift release of detained foreign nationals.
READ ALSO: Italy, Spain dispatch warships in defence of Gaza aid flotilla
Italy confirmed that its citizens were among those on the flotilla, and said the operation was expected to last two to three hours before detainees would be processed and deported.
Turkiye also denounced the interception, calling it an act of terrorism and demanding immediate release of Turkish participants.
As of now, at least six ships have been intercepted and multiple activists detained. Some of the flotilla continues its journey, seeking to reach Gaza despite the naval blockade.
The flotilla’s organisers called the Israeli actions illegal and urged international pressure to force the release of detainees.
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