TEL AVIV/GAZA: Israel faced a wave of international condemnation on Thursday after its military intercepted nearly all of the roughly 40 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza, detaining more than 450 foreign activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Armed Israeli commandos boarded the vessels under cover of darkness, as live footage showed passengers wearing life vests and raising their hands in surrender.
The flotilla was attempting to deliver medicine and food to Gaza in protest against Israel’s blockade, which critics say amounts to a violation of the Genocide Convention.
The operation triggered widespread demonstrations across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Protesters took to the streets in cities including London, Berlin, Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. In Italy, major unions called for a nationwide strike on Friday.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned what he called Israel’s “thuggery,” while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa demanded the release of detained South Africans, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela.
Thunberg, 22, released a pre-recorded video shortly after her detention. “If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces,” she said, calling the mission “non-violent and in line with international law.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that all detained activists were taken to Ashdod port “safe and in good health.” They are expected to be transferred to Ketziot Prison before deportation early next week.
Israel defended its actions, stating the flotilla entered an active combat zone and violated a “lawful naval blockade.” Officials said the activists were offered safe channels to deliver aid but refused.
Organizers said one vessel, the Marinette, remained “still sailing strong” about 80 nautical miles from Gaza late Thursday, 10 nautical miles away from where the interception began.
The flotilla set sail in late August carrying parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists. The mission came amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis.
Palestinian health authorities report over 66,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began. The U.S. and Israel recently announced a proposal to end the conflict, involving Hamas’s surrender and temporary U.S. administration of Gaza. Hamas has yet to respond.–Reuters
