Israel garnered international criticism and demonstrations on Thursday following its military’s interception of nearly 40 boats in a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. More than 450 foreign activists, including well-known Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, were captured.
Live camera feeds from the boats, confirmed by Reuters, depicted Israeli soldiers with helmets and night vision gear boarding the vessels as passengers, wearing life vests, raised their hands in surrender. A video from the Israeli Foreign Ministry showed Thunberg, a prominent figure among the flotilla’s passengers, surrounded by soldiers on a deck.
Thunberg, aged 22 and recognized for her environmental activism, had a pre-recorded message released after her detainment, stating, “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 in compliance with international law.”
Protests erupted across European cities, Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City against Israel’s actions, nearly two years into its Gaza offensive. The Italian unions declared a general strike for the following day.
Despite the intercept, one boat named Marinette continued its journey towards Gaza, with organizers sharing live video of the crew navigating the vessel. The Israeli foreign ministry mentioned that all captured individuals were being taken to Ashdod and were reported to be safe and in good health.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carrying medics, journalists, and aid, was positioned between Athens and Crete as of Thursday. Canadian activists aboard the Conscience vessel expressed concern over the interception but remained resolute in their mission.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned Israel’s actions, emphasizing the interception in international waters as a violation of global solidarity efforts to alleviate Gaza’s suffering. The flotilla’s mission to deliver aid to Gaza, comprising over 40 civilian vessels with parliamentarians and activists, symbolizes the ongoing opposition to Israel’s Gaza blockade.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel for its aggression towards the flotilla, condemning the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza. Various global leaders, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, denounced Israel’s actions and sought the release of their detained citizens.
The interception marked the latest attempt to breach Israel’s Gaza blockade, with the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in the region. Hamas supported the activists, denouncing Israel’s actions as criminal and calling for public condemnation.
Israel’s navy had repeatedly warned the flotilla about entering restricted waters, citing safety concerns and offering peaceful aid transfers. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has attracted global attention, with nations monitoring the situation closely as tensions escalate.
In conclusion, Israel’s interception of the aid flotilla has sparked international outrage and calls for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.