Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla, Detains Activists

Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) on Wednesday as it approached Gaza, detaining numerous activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla, comprising over 40 civilian boats with approximately 500 participants from more than 40 countries, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel's naval blockade.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video showing Thunberg seated on a deck surrounded by soldiers. The ministry stated on X (formerly Twitter): "Several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy."

The flotilla's organizers reported that Israeli forces used aggressive tactics, including water cannons, during the interception but stated that no one was harmed. They described the raid as "illegal" and a "war crime," emphasizing their mission's non-violent humanitarian nature.

The interception has drawn international criticism. Turkey's Foreign Ministry labeled the action "an act of terror" that endangered innocent civilians. Spain urged Israel to protect the safety and rights of the activists, while Ireland described the flotilla as "a peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe."

Protests erupted in cities including Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, and Berlin in response to the raid. In Italy, tens of thousands, along with major unions, called for a general strike on Friday to express solidarity with the flotilla and Gaza.

The GSF, transporting medicine and food to Gaza, was about 75 nautical miles off the coast when the first interception occurred. As of early Thursday, 23 boats had been intercepted or stopped, according to the flotilla's ship tracking data, but organizers stated that the remaining vessels would "continue undeterred."