The Israeli navy has intercepted a large international aid convoy. The convoy was attempting to breach the 18-year blockade of Gaza. Israeli forces boarded several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla and detained activists, including prominent Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in international waters, about 130km from the Gazan coast.
The convoy included more than 40 civilian boats. It carried over 500 participants from dozens of countries. Organisers said the mission was to deliver symbolic aid, including food, water and medicine, to Palestinians in Gaza. The territory is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. A UN-backed report recently declared a “man-made” famine in parts of Gaza.
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla called the interception an “illegal attack”. They accused the Israeli navy of aggressive tactics. These included ramming one vessel and using water cannons on others. Communications with the boats were also reportedly jammed. Despite the interception of at least 15 boats, organisers remain defiant. They stated that around 30 vessels were still sailing towards Gaza.
SMread: Aid flotilla reports psychological warfare at sea
International condemnation and Israeli response
The interception has sparked widespread international condemnation. Turkey’s foreign ministry described the action as an “act of terrorism”. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of Israeli diplomats. A major Italian labour union has called for a national general strike.
Israel defended its actions, stating the navy “safely stopped” the vessels. The foreign ministry described the flotilla as a “provocation”. It claimed the activists’ sole purpose was not aid delivery. Israel said it had offered alternative routes for the aid. This included transferring it via the Israeli port of Ashkelon. The organisers had rejected this offer.
The Israeli military released a video showing Thunberg on a boat. She was surrounded by military personnel. A statement confirmed she and others were “safe and healthy”. The detained activists are being transferred to an Israeli port where they are expected to be deported. This is the second time this year that a flotilla with Thunberg aboard has been intercepted by Israel while trying to reach Gaza.
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