Israeli Forces Intercept Sumud Flotilla, Detain Greta Thunberg and Activists

The Israeli military has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, preventing it from reaching Gaza and detaining activists on board. Among those detained by the Israeli forces is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla aimed to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for 18 years. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on X that several ships of the Hamas-Sumud Flotilla were safely stopped, and their passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port. The ministry also indicated that Thunberg and her companions were safe and in good health. The ministry provided a video showing Thunberg being escorted. Israel has not provided concrete evidence to support its claim that the flotilla is linked to Hamas. Activists have condemned the intervention as illegal and theft, appealing to the global community to take action against Israel. They assert they are carrying humanitarian aid, not weapons, needed by the starving people of Gaza. According to Israeli media, including Channel 13, six ships have been intercepted so far, including the ship named Alma. Reports suggest more interceptions are expected. Israeli soldiers boarded the ships and detained several activists. The Freedom Flotilla II was launched in 2011 as a renewed version of the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla. This flotilla, formed by a coalition of international activists and non-governmental organizations, aimed to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. No flotilla has yet succeeded in reaching Gaza. This new flotilla was also heading to Gaza for the same purpose.