The Israeli navy has intercepted a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza and detained activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) had been “safely stopped” and that those aboard were being taken to an Israeli port. It added the boats were warned to change course as they approached what it described as “an active combat zone.”
GSF, however, condemned the interception as “illegal” and “a brazen act of desperation,” alleging one of its vessels had been “deliberately rammed” while others were targeted with water cannons. In a statement on social media, the group said: “It clearly reveals the extreme lengths to which the occupier will go to ensure Gaza remains starved and isolated. They will attack a peaceful civilian mission because the success of humanitarian aid means the failure of their siege.”
The Israeli government insisted the flotilla was “violating a lawful naval blockade” around Gaza, though it remains unclear if the boats had entered the restricted zone. Footage released by Israel showed Thunberg seated on the deck of a vessel, receiving water and a jacket from naval personnel.
GSF said multiple ships, including the Alma, Sirius, and Adara, were intercepted. The group also accused Israeli forces of deliberately disrupting communications to block distress signals and livestreams. It said the flotilla was 70 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast when the operation began, and had intended to arrive Thursday morning.
Israel’s government has described the flotilla as a “provocation,” with officials insisting that Thunberg and others were “safe and healthy.” Livestreams from the boats indicated that not all 44 vessels had yet been boarded.
The interception has triggered international protests and political fallout. Demonstrators rallied in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia and Turkey. Italian trade unions announced a general strike on Friday “in defense of the flotilla, constitutional values, and for Gaza.” Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the action as “an act of terrorism” and demanded accountability.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s remaining diplomats and cancelled a free trade agreement dating from 2020, denouncing the interception as an “international crime by Netanyahu.” He also called for the release of two Colombians detained on board.
Ireland expressed deep concern, with Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris saying Israel must respect international law after at least seven Irish citizens, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews, were among those detained. France said it had worked to ensure “the best possible security conditions” for any boarding, while Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani confirmed assurances from Israel that no violence would be used against the 500 passengers, including European politicians.
Israel has previously blocked two flotilla attempts in June and July. While Israeli officials have dismissed the latest convoy as a “selfie yacht,” Thunberg told the BBC on Sunday: “I don’t think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt.”
Aid organisations continue to warn that Gaza faces catastrophic shortages of food and medicine, blaming Israel’s restrictions. The UN has declared famine in the territory, with humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths accusing Israel of “systematic obstruction.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected those claims as “an outright lie.”
The Gaza crisis continues amid intense fighting in Gaza City. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a final call for residents to evacuate southwards, warning those who remain would be considered “terrorists and supporters of terror.” The International Committee of the Red Cross stressed that civilians “must be protected whether they stay or leave.”
Source: BBC
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