Israeli forces intervened forcefully overnight against 13 vessels that were part of a humanitarian flotilla sailing toward Gaza. Among the ships stopped was the “Alma,” which carried Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
According to footage released by activists, the Israeli navy used water cannons to block the vessels and broadcast messages accusing them of “violating international law.”
The military operation took place in international waters, sparking strong reactions from human rights groups and flotilla organizers, who denounced the seizure as an act of aggression and a deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel has claimed that the flotilla is linked to Hamas, though it has offered no concrete evidence. The ships were carrying food and humanitarian supplies for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who face extreme shortages as a result of Israel’s prolonged blockade.
Around 50 vessels are part of this flotilla, with 30 more still en route to Gaza. The detained activists have been arrested, and the seized ships were forced to dock at an Israeli port. So far, there is no official information regarding the condition of the detainees or any potential timeline for their release.
