The Israeli military has intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla, preventing ships carrying humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza and arresting activists on board.
According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, those detained will be transferred to an Israeli port before being deported back to Europe. While several ships were stopped, flotilla members reported that some vessels continued sailing toward Gaza.
Reports of Forceful Interception
Activists claimed that several ships were targeted with water cannons and accused Israel of being prepared to go to extremes to keep Gaza āstarved and isolated.ā Israel maintains that the flotilla was attempting to breach a legal naval blockade, though it remains unclear whether the ships had entered the restricted zone.
In footage released by Israeli authorities, Greta Thunberg was seen sitting on the deck of a ship while being offered water and a jacket by an Israeli soldier.
Flotilla Composition and Mission
The flotilla, which initially carried 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, marked the latest maritime attempt to challenge Israelās blockade of Gaza ā a territory devastated by nearly two years of war.
Global Reactions
The interception sparked protests worldwide, with demonstrations in Italy, Spain, Colombia, and Argentina in solidarity with the flotilla.
- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker TĆ¼rk, urged Israel to immediately lift the blockade and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
- Turkeyās Foreign Ministry condemned the intervention as an āact of terrorismā, calling for accountability.
- The Italian Foreign Minister said Israel had assured that no violence would be used against the 500 people on board, including French and Italian politicians.
Related European Developments
Meanwhile, in Germany, authorities arrested three men suspected of being Hamas members. Prosecutors allege they were involved in obtaining firearms and ammunition since this summer, with the intent of carrying out attacks against Israeli or Jewish institutions in Germany.
Meta description (Yoast SEO): Israel intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla heading to Gaza, arresting activists on board. The move triggered protests and global condemnation.
