In a tense escalation off the Gaza coast, Israeli naval forces have boarded and seized multiple vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including the flagship ship carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg. The operation, which unfolded in international waters, has drawn sharp international criticism as activists aimed to deliver essential aid to the blockaded territory. Thunberg, along with over 200 others, was detained and taken to Ashdod port for processing, according to reports from the scene.
The flotilla, comprising around 40 boats loaded with medical supplies, food, and other humanitarian cargo, set sail from various ports in Europe and beyond in recent weeks. However, Israeli commandos moved swiftly on Tuesday, intercepting at least 13 vessels by midday. One boat, the Mikeno, appeared to linger in Gaza's territorial waters, its status uncertain amid the chaos—whether it slipped through or faces imminent capture remains unclear. Al Jazeera's live coverage highlighted the dramatic moments, with footage showing forces boarding ships and activists resisting peacefully.
Indeed, the interception marks the latest chapter in a series of thwarted attempts to breach Israel's longstanding naval blockade of Gaza. Thunberg, who joined the mission to spotlight the humanitarian crisis, had previously dismissed accusations that the effort was merely a publicity stunt. "No one risks their life for attention alone," she stated before departure. Yet, critics in Israel argue the flotilla poses security risks, echoing past incidents like the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid. Moreover, global reactions poured in quickly: South Africa condemned the action as illegal, Turkey echoed calls for release, and protests erupted in cities from London to Istanbul.
However, the human cost in Gaza continues unabated, with at least 73 Palestinians killed in separate Israeli strikes on the same day, per local health officials. The flotilla's organizers, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, vow to persist despite the setbacks. Over 500 activists were involved overall, many now facing deportation after signing orders at Ashdod.
As these events highlight the persistent standoff, one wonders how such humanitarian initiatives might evolve amid ongoing conflict.