Israeli naval forces have intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and international activists, among them Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The flotilla, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), was attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that several boats were “safely stopped” and that the activists were being transferred to Israeli ports for deportation to Europe. Israel maintained the vessels were warned to change course, claiming they were approaching an “active combat zone.”
The GSF, however, denounced the interception as “illegal” and accused Israeli forces of using water cannons and deliberately ramming one vessel. Organizers said the action exposed “the extreme lengths to which the occupier will go to keep Gaza starved and isolated.”
Protests erupted in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey, condemning Israel’s actions. Turkey’s foreign ministry labeled the interception an “act of terrorism,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats and terminated Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel. Ireland expressed concern for its detained citizens, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on Israel to urgently lift the blockade and allow “life-saving material” into Gaza without obstruction. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned of famine conditions in the territory, blaming restrictions on aid flow.
Israel insists the blockade is necessary to prevent supplies from reaching Hamas and has dismissed UN famine reports as “lies.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has branded the flotilla a “provocation,” though Thunberg rejected the notion, saying: “I don’t think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt.”
As diplomatic tensions escalate, Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City while mediators press Hamas to respond to a new US-backed ceasefire proposal.
