Global Outcry After Israeli Military Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla, Detaining Greta Thunberg

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and numerous other passengers aboard a fleet of Gaza-bound aid ships have been detained by the Israeli military following the interception of more than a dozen vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening and continued into Thursday morning, has ignited a wave of global condemnation and protests.

The GSF, comprising over 500 participants from dozens of countries, set sail from Barcelona on August 31 with the stated goal of breaking Israel’s 18-year blockade of Gaza and delivering critical food, water, and medicine to the war-ravaged enclave. As of Thursday morning, 21 of the GSF’s boats had been intercepted, while 23 reportedly continued their journey.

Flotilla organizers have vehemently denounced Israel’s actions as an “illegal attack” on humanitarians, alleging that some vessels were deliberately rammed and targeted with water cannons. Conversely, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that the ships were “safely stopped” and claimed the activists were “not interested in aid, but in provocation,” asserting that the flotilla was approaching an active combat zone.

Following their interception approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza, the detained passengers, including Thunberg, are being transported to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe are set to commence. This marks the second time Thunberg has been detained by Israel in connection with a Gaza-bound aid boat this year, with a previous incident occurring in June.

The interceptions have triggered swift international backlash. Protests have erupted in cities across Italy and Turkey, while foreign leaders have voiced outrage. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro went as far as to label the interception an “international crime,” announcing the immediate expulsion of Israeli diplomats and the denunciation of a free trade agreement. France and Italy have also called on Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and consular protection of the participants. The incident unfolds against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and recent diplomatic efforts, including a US-backed peace proposal.

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