Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla, Detains Activists

Israeli forces have intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid, detaining hundreds of activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) was stopped in international waters, with Israel claiming it was approaching an active combat zone and violating a naval blockade. The GSF described the interceptions as 'illegal' and alleged that many activists were assaulted with water cannon. The incident has drawn international criticism, with countries such as Colombia, Pakistan, and Malaysia condemning Israel's actions. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material.

The Israeli navy intercepted a flotilla of nearly 50 boats and 500 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela's grandson, attempting to break Israel's blockade of Gaza. The activists were detained and transferred to Israel, sparking international condemnation. The incident drew criticism from various countries, including Turkey, Colombia, and Malaysia, with some leaders denouncing Israel's actions as 'terrorism' and a 'breach of international law'. European governments, including Spain and Italy, urged the activists to turn back, but some defended their actions as a humanitarian mission.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released documents claiming to show a direct link between Hamas and the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes climate activist Greta Thunberg, and is bound for the Gaza Strip. The documents allegedly include a letter from Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh endorsing the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), which Israel says is tied to Hamas and has organized the flotilla. The PCPA was designated a terrorist organization by Israel in 2021. Thunberg and the flotilla's organizers have denied any ties to Hamas. The Israeli government's claims have been met with skepticism by the flotilla's spokesperson, while U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has expressed support for Israel's position.

The Israeli military intercepted 39 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, detaining dozens of activists including climate activist Greta Thunberg and several European lawmakers. The flotilla, comprising over 40 boats and 500 activists, aimed to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007. Israel's foreign ministry claimed the activists were 'safe and in good health' and would be deported to Europe. The interception sparked condemnation and demonstrations globally, with Italy's largest trade union announcing a one-day general strike in protest.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising over 40 civilian boats and 500 people, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli authorities in international waters around 80 miles off the coast of Gaza. The flotilla was attempting to break Israel's sea blockade to deliver aid to Gaza, which has been experiencing severe food shortages due to an ongoing war. Israel's foreign ministry claimed the interception was lawful and that the passengers were being taken to an Israeli port, while the organisers argued that the interception was illegal. Protests erupted worldwide, with countries like Italy, Spain, Colombia, and Argentina showing solidarity with the flotilla. Turkey's foreign ministry condemned Israel's actions as an 'attack' and 'act of terror'. The aid carried by the flotilla was symbolic, and Israel has been accused by UN agencies of slowing down the delivery of supplies.