Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla, Detains Greta Thunberg and Others

The Israeli military has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and included prominent Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla departed from Spain with over 500 participants, including activists and politicians. Israeli forces halted the vessels in international waters, approximately 129 kilometers off the coast of Gaza. According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, several boats were safely stopped, and passengers were transported to an Israeli port. A spokesperson confirmed that Thunberg and her companions are safe and in good health.

Israel has stated that the flotilla was violating a lawful blockade intended to prevent provocations. The Israeli government claims to have offered the flotilla options to deliver aid to Gaza peacefully, which they assert the flotilla organizers declined. The interception has raised significant concern among human rights advocates and sparked international criticism.

Details of the Interception

The operation unfolded as the flotilla was nearing its destination on the morning of March 14, 2024. Israeli forces reportedly deployed water cannons against some vessels during the interception. The flotilla had left Barcelona and was expected to arrive in Gaza on Thursday morning. For a portion of its journey, NATO warships flanked the flotilla, a detail underscoring the heightened international interest in the mission.

Organizers of the flotilla have alleged that their vessels were illegally intercepted and boarded, with communication and live streams lost following the event. Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament, claimed that hundreds of participants have been unlawfully detained by Israeli authorities.

Protests have erupted in Italy and Turkey in response to the incident, with Italy’s largest union calling for a general strike. The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the interception, labeling it an attack and an act of terror. In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro announced intentions to expel Israeli diplomats as a reaction to the interception.

Context of the Blockade and Previous Attempts

This incident is not the first attempt to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007 when Hamas gained control of the territory. Recent attempts to breach the blockade have included drone strikes targeting vessels, which involved dropping stun grenades and irritants on boats. Activists participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla have threatened to initiate a hunger strike if detained by Israeli authorities, further escalating tensions surrounding the situation.

The interception of the flotilla has been met with strong condemnation from Hamas, which referred to the action as piracy and maritime terrorism. As the situation unfolds, the implications for international relations and humanitarian efforts in the region remain to be seen.