The Israeli navy intercepted a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla had been “safely stopped” and those aboard were being transferred to an Israeli port. The ministry said the ships were warned as they were “approaching an active combat zone.”
The GSF described the interception as “illegal” and “not an act of defence” but “a brazen act of desperation,” alleging that one vessel was “deliberately rammed at sea” and others were targeted with water cannons. “It clearly reveals the extreme lengths to which the occupier will go to ensure Gaza remains starved and isolated,” the group wrote. “They will attack a peaceful civilian mission because the success of humanitarian aid means the failure of their siege.”
Israel maintained the flotilla was “violating a lawful naval blockade” near Gaza. Footage released by the ministry showed Thunberg on deck being handed water and a jacket by an Israeli soldier.
Later, authorities said detained activists were being taken to Israel before deportation to Europe.
Not all of the 44 vessels had been boarded or evacuated, and livestreams indicated some boats were still at sea.
The flotilla had reportedly been 70 nautical miles from Gaza’s shore, aiming to reach the territory Thursday morning.
Protests erupted in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged Israel to “urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible” and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief “without hindrance.”
Italian unions called a general strike in defense of the flotilla and “constitutional values, and for Gaza.” Turkey condemned the interception as an “act of terrorism,” demanding accountability.
Colombia’s President, Gustavo Petro, expelled Israeli diplomats, denounced the action as an “international crime by Netanyahu,” and terminated a free trade agreement with Israel, calling for the release of two Colombians aboard the flotilla.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris called the reports “concerning,” noting at least seven Irish citizens, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews, were detained.
Israel had blocked two previous attempts to deliver aid by ship in June and July. While the government labelled the flotilla a “selfie yacht,” Thunberg told the BBC: “I don’t think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt.”
International aid groups have struggled to deliver food and medicine, with Israel citing concerns supplies could reach Hamas.
The UN has criticized Israel’s alternative food distribution system, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, as unethical.
A UN-backed group confirmed Gaza faces famine, citing Israel’s “systematic obstruction” of aid. Netanyahu dismissed this as an “outright lie.”
French and Italian ministers said Israel had reassured them no violence would be used against the 500 people aboard, including politicians. Antonio Tajani said: “The boarding was planned… so that there would be no violent actions on the part of the Tel Aviv armed forces, and this has been assured to me.”
Meanwhile, Israel intensified its Gaza City offensive. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Palestinians who remain could be considered “terrorists and supporters of terror.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross emphasized, “Under international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected whether they stay or leave Gaza City.”
