The Israeli navy intercepted several boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Among the detained activists was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the flotilla was ordered to change course as it approached what Israel described as an “active combat zone.”
The Israeli government stated the vessels were violating a lawful naval blockade, while GSF condemned the interception as “illegal” and “a brazen act of desperation.” The group alleged that one ship was rammed and others were attacked with water cannons.
GSF accused Israeli forces of deliberately damaging ship communications to block distress signals and livestreams of the boarding. According to the group, the flotilla was 70 nautical miles from Gaza when intercepted. Israel, however, characterized the mission as a “provocation” and posted footage showing Greta Thunberg being treated calmly by Israeli forces. Officials said activists would be deported to Europe.
Livestreams suggested that not all 44 vessels had been boarded. The GSF maintained that the mission was peaceful and humanitarian, intended to break what it described as Israel’s “siege” of Gaza.
Global Outrage Grows As Nations Condemn Flotilla Interception And Demand Accountability
The interception sparked widespread condemnation and protests across Europe, North Africa, and Turkey. Demonstrators gathered in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid without obstruction.
Italian unions called a general strike in solidarity with the flotilla, while Turkey’s foreign ministry denounced the incident as “an act of terrorism.” In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro went further, expelling Israeli diplomats, ending a free trade agreement, and demanding the release of detained Colombian nationals.
Ireland expressed concern over reports that at least seven of its citizens, including a senator, were detained. France and Italy emphasized that Israel had assured them no violence would be used against the 500 passengers, some of whom included European politicians.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said his government sought to ensure the boarding was conducted under safe conditions. Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris stressed that international law must be respected. Meanwhile, Israel’s government dismissed GSF’s mission as a “selfie yacht,” but Thunberg rejected the claim, arguing no one would risk their lives for publicity.
Humanitarian crisis deepens as Israel tightens blockade and intensifies Gaza assault
The interception comes amid intensifying international concern over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The UN and aid organizations have accused Israel of systematically obstructing the entry of life-saving supplies, leading to famine conditions. Israel counters that its restrictions are aimed at preventing aid from reaching Hamas.
Together with the US, Israel has supported the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an alternative distribution system that the UN refuses to recognize, calling it unethical. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected UN claims of famine as “an outright lie.”
Parallel to the flotilla incident, Israel has stepped up its assault on Gaza City. Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning for civilians to evacuate southwards, declaring that those who remained would be considered “terrorists and supporters of terror.”
Mediators from Arab and Turkish states are pressuring Hamas to accept a new US peace plan, though Hamas leaders are reportedly inclined to reject it. The International Committee of the Red Cross reiterated that under international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected regardless of whether they remain in Gaza City or flee.
