Today, the Israeli navy intercepted a civilian flotilla heading to Gaza, detaining prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg and dozens of international protesters. The mission, known as the Hamas-Sumud flotilla, aimed to deliver medicine and food to Gaza's residents and challenge Israel's naval blockade.
According to a video shared by the Israeli foreign ministry on X (formerly Twitter), Thunberg was shown surrounded by soldiers on the deck of her boat. The ministry assured on X that “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy,” adding that “several vessels … have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port.”
Organizers say the flotilla consisted of over 40 civilian boats carrying nearly 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists from Europe, the Middle East and beyond. They denounced the interception—around 70 nautical miles off Gaza—as a “war crime,” accusing Israeli forces of using water cannons and scrambling their communications. No injuries have been reported so far.
International reactions poured in 🌍:
- Türkiye’s foreign ministry called it “an act of terror” that risked civilian lives.
- Spain urged Israel to protect activists’ rights.
- Italy and Greece demanded safe treatment of protesters and proposed rerouting aid through the Church—an offer the flotilla has rejected.
- Colombia even expelled Israel’s diplomats in solidarity.
This is the latest sea-borne effort to breach the blockade imposed since 2007. Activists hope to spotlight Gaza's dire humanitarian crisis, where years of conflict have turned parts of the territory into a near-wasteland. Past attempts, like the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident that ended in tragedy, and a June mission where Thunberg was also detained, show how tense these waters can be.
Despite warnings from the Israeli navy and offers to deliver aid through “safe channels,” organizers remain defiant. They’ve vowed to continue “undeterred” until civilian goods reach Gaza's residents. For the young, tech-savvy generation in South and Southeast Asia, this story resonates with our own movements—from climate marches in Mumbai to human rights rallies in Bangkok. It’s a reminder of how local actions can spark global solidarity ✊🚢.
Stay tuned as the situation unfolds. We’ll keep you updated on any breakthroughs or negotiations for the release of activists and the delivery of critical supplies to Gaza.
Reference(s):
Israeli military intercepts Gaza aid flotilla, detains Greta Thunberg
cgtn.com
