Israeli naval forces on Wednesday intercepted a flotilla of boats attempting to break the blockade of Gaza and detained hundreds of international activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
The flotilla, organized by the Global Sumud coalition, set sail with about 40 vessels carrying some 450 people and humanitarian supplies. Activists said the boats were boarded in international waters roughly 75 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza.
Witnesses reported that Israeli forces used water cannons, stun grenades and electronic jamming before seizing control of several vessels. Passengers were ordered to throw mobile phones overboard before commandos boarded, according to organizers.
Israel’s military confirmed the operation, saying all passengers were safe and would be deported to their countries of origin. Officials described the flotilla as a “provocation” rather than a humanitarian mission, insisting the blockade is needed to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas.
The interception quickly sparked international criticism. Turkey, Spain, Italy, Malaysia and Colombia summoned Israeli envoys to protest, while Colombia announced it would expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation and suspend a trade deal. Protests also broke out in several capitals in solidarity with the detained activists.
Human rights groups condemned the raid and questioned its legality in international waters. Similar flotilla attempts have been blocked in the past, including one in June when Thunberg and others were detained and later deported.
Israel has enforced a naval blockade of Gaza since 2007, a measure it says is essential for security but which critics argue amounts to collective punishment of the territory’s 2.3 million residents. (Newswire)