Activists Blocked by Israeli Forces While Trying to Reach Gaza

A group of activists sailing near the Gaza coast, part of a mission led by Greta Samberg, faced intervention from the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) on Thursday.

The Global SUMUD FLOTILLA, which included a boat carrying Samberg, was stopped in international waters right outside the area Israel has locked down around Gaza. This isn’t the first attempt for Samberg—she had previously been deported from Israel in June during a different effort with the Freedom Flotilla Union.

According to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “The provocation by Hamas Smood has ended.” They added on X that none of the boats successfully entered the combat zone or breached the legal naval blockade, emphasizing that all passengers are safe and will be deported to Europe.

The activists had gathered at various ports in Spain, Italy, Tunisia, and Greece over the past few weeks, all aiming to converge in the Mediterranean near the Levant. Spain and Italy had reassured Israel that they wouldn’t use lethal force against the activists, even promising to provide naval protection for the flotilla.

Reports from the scene indicate that activists claimed they were sprayed with substances, some of which were described as “skunk water,” a foul mixture used to disperse crowds.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry opted not to offer any comments on the incident.