The Israeli Navy said it “safely stopped” several vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which was carrying aid to Gaza. Among those detained were the activists aboard, notably Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The detained individuals were reportedly transferred to an Israeli port.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that the vessels were told to change course because they were “approaching an active combat zone” and were “violating a lawful naval blockade” in the waters near Gaza.
Later, the Israeli government confirmed that “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy,” branding the aid attempt as “provocation.” Footage released by the ministry showed Thunberg on a boat being offered water and a jacket by an Israeli soldier.
The GSF described the interception as “illegal” and “a brazen act of desperation,” arguing that it was not an act of defense but an effort to ensure Gaza “remains starved and isolated.”
The group alleged that the Israeli military intentionally damaged ship communications to block distress signals and live-streaming of the boarding. Furthermore, GSF claimed that one vessel was “deliberately rammed at sea,” and others were hit by water cannons.
Despite the intervention, which the GSF said occurred 70 nautical miles from the coast, the group initially claimed that 30 boats were still “sailing strong to Gaza,” about 46 nautical miles from their destination, hoping to arrive on Thursday morning.
Greek ship is among those intercepted
However, they confirmed that the main vessels, including the Alma, Surius, and Adara, had been intercepted and boarded.
Among the ships intercepted was the Greek “Oxygono”. In a post on social media, activists on board wrote:
“The ship Oxygono has been intercepted by Israeli forces in an act of international piracy and in violation of International Law and the Law of the Sea.
Our comrades are currently being kidnapped and taken to an unknown location against their will.
We demand that the Greek government guarantee their immediate and safe return to the country.”
Another Greek ship, the “Pavlos Fyssas”, is participating in the international humanitarian aid mission to Gaza, and it continues to sail.
Greece and Italy call on Israel not to hurt Gaza flotilla activists
Italy and Greece on Wednesday called on Israel not to hurt activists aboard an international flotilla. “(We) are calling on the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and security of the participants and to allow for all consular protection measures,” the two countries said in a joint statement issued by their respective foreign ministers.
Rome and Athens also called on activists to accept a compromise proposal to hand over aid to the Catholic Church, letting it distribute it in Gaza, and avoid a direct confrontation with Israel.
Flotilla members have repeatedly rejected the proposal, saying that a key part of their mission is to challenge and expose Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza, which they consider unlawful.
Related: Greece Vows to Guarantee Safety of Gaza-Bound Flotilla
