In a dramatic twist amid escalating tensions, the aid ship Mikeno has reportedly slipped through Israel's naval blockade, anchoring in Palestinian waters off Gaza's coast. This development comes just hours after Israeli forces boarded and seized nearly all vessels in the Global Sumud flotilla, detaining over 450 activists including climate icon Greta Thunberg. The flotilla, launched with more than 40 boats carrying symbolic humanitarian aid like rice, flour, and medical supplies, aimed to challenge the ongoing siege that's left Gaza in dire straits.
Indeed, the operation unfolded swiftly in international waters early Thursday. Israeli commandos, in a move decried by rights groups as unlawful, intercepted the bulk of the fleet. Thunberg, the 22-year-old Swedish activist, was among those taken into custody aboard the lead vessel. Videos circulating online show her and others being led away calmly, though the atmosphere crackled with defiance. Moreover, authorities in Israel insist the detainees are unharmed and will face deportation after signing orders— a process expected to wrap up soon at Ashdod port.
However, the story of the Mikeno stands out. Organizers claim this single boat evaded capture, delivering its cargo of baby formula and diapers directly to Gaza's shores. It's a small victory, perhaps, but one that underscores the flotilla's core message: breaking the blockade through persistent, risky endeavors. Al Jazeera's live coverage captured the tension, with anchors noting how the escape has ignited fresh protests from London to Istanbul.
World leaders weighed in quickly. South Africa's government condemned the interceptions as "piracy," while Turkey called for Thunberg's immediate release. Even in the U.S., voices from progressive circles echoed similar outrage. Yet Israel maintains the action was necessary to prevent any aid from bolstering Hamas. The numbers paint a stark picture: 73 Palestinians killed in Gaza strikes that same day, per reports, as the flotilla drama played out.
Still, with the Mikeno's breakthrough, questions linger about whether such grassroots efforts can truly pierce the impasse—or if they'll only deepen the divides.