Israel stops 39 boats from Gaza aid mission and takes Greta Thunberg into custody.

Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Fleet

The Israeli Navy intercepted 39 ships from an aid fleet targeting Gaza on Thursday, resulting in the detention of several activists, including prominent climate activist Greta Samberg and some European lawmakers, according to reports. The global Sumud Flotilla aimed to challenge the extensive Israeli blockade, with over 40 boats carrying approximately 500 activists across the Mediterranean.

However, the fleet eventually dwindled down to one vessel nearing Gaza. Organizers indicated on X that the last boat was detected just a few miles from the Gaza coast before they lost communication. Activists expressed confidence that the fleet’s size would complicate Israeli efforts to stop them all.

Photographs and video footage released showed Israeli soldiers boarding the boats, and the Israeli Foreign Ministry shared images of Samberg among the detained passengers, alongside figures such as former Barcelona mayor Ada Kollow and European MP Lima Hassan.

Israel has alleged connections between Samberg’s fleet and Hamas, claiming that their attempt was a provocation. The Foreign Ministry stated that the activists were “safe and healthy” and would be deported to Europe from Israel.

“The Hamas Smood’s provocation is over,” the Ministry posted. They added that the remaining ship was far from Israeli waters, emphasizing it was an active combat zone where attempts to break the blockade would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Meloni raised concerns that the Gaza flotilla could escalate tensions and jeopardize any potential ceasefire agreements. The interception of the fleet has stirred significant backlash, sparking protests in cities like Rome, Naples, Istanbul, Athens, and Buenos Aires. Italy’s largest union announced its first general strike in response, while additional rallies were anticipated worldwide.

This fleet is part of ongoing international efforts to contest the Israeli blockade that has been in place since Hamas assumed control of Gaza in 2007. Prior attempts by activists to breach the blockade have occasionally led to violent confrontations, such as the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla Raid.