Israeli forces have intercepted a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza and detained hundreds of activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The boats, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), were stopped in international waters about 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast, as well as closer to shore.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that those detained are being taken to the port of Ashdod to be deported. Officials described the vessels as “provocation yachts” and said the boats were warned to change course as they approached what Israel called an “active combat zone” and a “lawful naval blockade.” The GSF condemned the move as “illegal” and “a brazen act of desperation.”
The flotilla organisers said around 443 people were detained, with claims that some were targeted by water cannon. Israel stated that all detainees, including Thunberg, were “safe and in good health,” sharing footage of her on board receiving water and a jacket from naval personnel.
The incident has triggered international criticism. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats, ended a free trade deal with Israel, and labelled the operation an “international crime.” Amnesty International described Israel’s blockade of Gaza as “unlawful,” while the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Israel to lift the blockade and allow aid to pass “without hindrance.”
Meanwhile, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued the flotilla brought “no benefit to the Palestinian people.” Demonstrations took place in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia and Turkey, with Italy’s main trade union CGIL announcing a general strike in solidarity with Gaza. Pakistan, Bolivia and Malaysia also criticised Israel’s actions.
The flotilla had left Spain a month earlier with more than 40 ships and around 500 people on board, including parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, aiming to deliver aid directly to Gaza. This marks the third interception of such convoys by Israel in recent months.
Thunberg dismissed claims that the initiative was a “publicity stunt,” stating: “I don’t think anyone would risk their life for that.”
International aid agencies have repeatedly warned that Israel’s restrictions are worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification confirmed last month that famine is ongoing in Gaza, which UN officials attribute to Israel’s “systematic obstruction” of aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected these findings, calling them “an outright lie.”
