Israeli Forces Detain Greta Thunberg, Activists in Gaza Aid Flotilla Interception
Israeli forces have detained dozens of international activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, after intercepting a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were “safely stopped,” with passengers transferred to an Israeli port for processing and subsequent deportation.
The interception took place in international waters, roughly 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast. Critics argue that Israel has no legal jurisdiction there, while Israeli officials insist the blockade and restrictions are necessary to prevent weapons smuggling into Gaza.
The Israeli navy reportedly ordered the boats to change course, warning they were approaching an “active combat zone.” When the activists refused, the vessels were boarded and diverted.
The GSF, comprising participants from various countries, had declared its mission as a peaceful attempt to break the blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies to civilians in Gaza.
Human rights groups have condemned the interception, calling it a violation of international law, while Israeli authorities maintain that aid is being delivered to Gaza “through legitimate channels.”
This is not the first time Israel has intercepted such flotillas; similar attempts over the years have sparked international criticism and diplomatic tensions.
