Tel Aviv: The Israeli navy has intercepted several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) as they attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the interception, saying the flotilla was approaching “an active combat zone” and violating a “lawful naval blockade”.
The GSF, however, described the move as “illegal” and “a brazen act of desperation”. It accused Israeli forces of ramming one ship, using water cannons on others, and disrupting communications. According to the flotilla, the intervention took place 70 nautical miles from Gaza’s shores, far from the blockade zone.
On Thursday morning, GSF reported that some of its 44 vessels were still sailing. Israel has already blocked two such attempts in recent months. Activists from multiple countries, including Ireland and Colombia, were among the detained. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats and suspended a free trade deal, calling the incident an “international crime”. Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the interception as “terrorism” and demanded accountability.
Protests erupted in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey against the blockade. Italian unions called a general strike in solidarity. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Israel to lift the blockade and allow life-saving supplies into Gaza.
The interception comes amid reports of famine in Gaza, which the UN has attributed to Israel’s systematic restrictions on aid. Israel insists its actions are necessary to prevent supplies from reaching Hamas.
