The Israeli navy has intercepted boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) that were attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, detaining the activists on board, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that several vessels connected to the flotilla were “safely stopped” and transferred to an Israeli port. The navy had directed the boats to alter their course due to their proximity to what Israel classified as an active combat zone.
In response, the GSF condemned the interception, labeling it as illegal and asserting that it demonstrated the lengths to which Israel would go to maintain a blockade of Gaza. The group claims that the flotilla highlights the efforts to ensure that humanitarian aid does not reach the region. On social media, they indicated that some of the 44 ships in the flotilla had not been boarded and evacuated.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the flotilla was violating a lawful naval blockade adjacent to Gaza’s waters. However, it has not been confirmed if the boats had indeed entered that blockade area. The ministry released footage showing Thunberg aboard a boat receiving water and a jacket from Israeli military personnel. While Israel labeled the flotilla’s mission a provocation, Thunberg defended the mission’s intent, rejecting claims that it was a publicity stunt.
Humanitarian organizations have reported difficulties in delivering aid to Gaza due to Israeli restrictions, which the Israeli government claims are necessary to prevent resources from reaching Hamas. International community members, including French and Italian officials, expressed concerns about the boarding process and stated they expected it to be conducted without violence. Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains critical, with increasing military actions reported and humanitarian needs exacerbated.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0lk292jww4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss