Israel faced mounting international condemnation on Thursday after its navy intercepted nearly all vessels in a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza, detaining more than 450 foreign activists including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising over 40 civilian boats carrying medicine and food, set sail in late August to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which critics say amounts to a violation of international law.
But by Thursday evening, Israeli forces had boarded and seized most of the vessels about 70 nautical miles from Gaza.
Live footage showed Israeli soldiers in helmets and night-vision gear storming the decks as passengers in life vests raised their hands in surrender. The Israeli foreign ministry released video of Thunberg, 22, sitting on a deck surrounded by soldiers.
In a pre-recorded message released after her detention, Thunberg said: “If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission was non-violent and abiding by international law.”
The mass detentions triggered protests across Europe, Latin America and Asia, with demonstrators marching in London, Paris, Buenos Aires, Karachi and Mexico City. Italian unions announced a general strike for Friday in solidarity.
Turkey condemned what President Tayyip Erdogan called “thuggery directed at the Global Sumud Flotilla,” while prosecutors in Istanbul launched an investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa demanded the release of South Africans on board, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said flotilla members could be expelled from Israel early next week on charter flights to their home countries.
Israel confirmed all detainees were being held in good health at Ashdod port before transfer to detention facilities ahead of deportation.
Organisers said one vessel, the Marinette, remained “sailing strong” on Thursday night about 80 nautical miles from Gaza. Israel vowed to stop it as well, warning any attempt to breach the blockade would be prevented.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, called the interception a “criminal act” and urged global protests, while Israel defended its actions as lawful self-defense.
“One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance,” the foreign ministry said, insisting aid could be delivered through official channels.
The flotilla’s interception comes nearly two years into Israel’s Gaza offensive, launched after the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack that killed around 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken.
The conflict has since killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
The operation also coincides with a U.S.-backed proposal to end the war, which would see Hamas surrender and Washington oversee a temporary administration in Gaza.
President Donald Trump warned this week that escalation would continue if Hamas rejected the deal.
With Thunberg among the detainees and protests spreading, Israel’s crackdown on the flotilla has intensified the global spotlight on its blockade and raised fresh questions about the humanitarian toll of its campaign in Gaza.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
