The Israeli navy has intercepted several vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the flotilla was halted as it approached what it called “an active combat zone” and said the vessels were violating a lawful naval blockade. The ministry shared footage of Thunberg being treated calmly by Israeli forces, assuring the public that “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”
GSF, however, denounced the interception as “illegal”, alleging that Israeli forces rammed one ship, used water cannons, and interfered with communications to block distress signals. The flotilla claimed it was 70 nautical miles from Gaza when the navy intervened.
International Reactions
The interception has drawn sharp criticism and triggered protests:
- Turkey condemned it as “an act of terrorism.”
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats, scrapped a free trade agreement, and called the operation “an international crime.”
- Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris described the reports as “concerning,” with several Irish citizens, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews, among the detained.
- France and Italy sought assurances from Israel that no violence would be used, with Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirming Israel had provided such guarantees.
Protests broke out in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey, while Italian trade unions called for a general strike in support of the flotilla.
Humanitarian Context
The operation comes amid worsening conditions in Gaza. A UN-backed group recently confirmed famine in the territory, blaming Israel’s restrictions on aid delivery. The UN’s humanitarian chief accused Israel of “systematic obstruction,” a claim Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed as “an outright lie.”
Israel argues its blockade is necessary to prevent aid from reaching Hamas. Instead, it has promoted the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an alternative aid channel backed by the US but rejected by the UN as unethical.
Escalating Conflict
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Gaza City. Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning that civilians remaining in the city would be treated as “terrorists and supporters of terror.” The International Committee of the Red Cross stressed that, under international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected regardless of whether they stay or flee.
The GSF maintains its mission is peaceful and humanitarian, rejecting Israel’s portrayal of the flotilla as a provocation. Speaking earlier, Thunberg insisted: “I don’t think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt.”
