The Israeli Navy has intercepted several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound convoy carrying humanitarian aid and more than 500 international activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the flotilla was stopped on Wednesday evening about 70 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast. The ministry released images and video of Thunberg and other passengers being escorted from the ships, emphasising that “all passengers are safe and healthy” and would be deported.
The flotilla, consisting of around 45 ships that left Spain last month, was carrying food, medicine, and basic supplies intended for Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of famine amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
Organisers accused Israel of “illegally intercepting” the convoy in international waters and disrupting communications to prevent live-streaming of the operation.
Thunberg, who has frequently voiced support for Palestinians, was seen on deck collecting her belongings as Israeli forces boarded the vessel.
Her presence has drawn global attention to the mission, echoing past attempts to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007.
Israel has defended the interception as a necessary step to enforce its blockade, saying the flotilla had been warned to turn back and that aid could instead be delivered through “safe channels.”
However, flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek insisted the mission would continue, with more than 30 vessels still attempting to reach Gaza.
The detentions sparked outrage in several countries, with protests breaking out in Italy, Colombia, and Turkey.
Turkish and Colombian leaders condemned Israel’s actions as violations of international law. Italy confirmed 22 of its nationals were detained.
Despite setbacks, flotilla organisers remain determined to sail toward Gaza, framing their mission as a test of global solidarity with Palestinians trapped by the blockade.
