Israeli Navy Seizes Global Samoud Flotilla, Detains Greta Thunberg and Dozens of Activists
Israeli Navy Seizes Global Samoud Flotilla, Detains Greta Thunberg and Dozens of Activists
The Israeli navy has intercepted the Global Samoud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy carrying aid to Gaza, detaining several vessels and arresting Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg along with numerous human rights defenders.
According to Arab media, the flotilla consisted of more than 40 boats with nearly 500 activists, parliamentarians, lawyers, and journalists onboard. They were transporting food and medical supplies to Gaza when Israeli naval forces surrounded them about 90 miles from the besieged territory.
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Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the ships were “safely stopped” and that the detainees are being transferred to the Israeli port of Ashdod. A video released by the ministry showed Greta Thunberg being escorted away.
Meanwhile, flotilla organizers confirmed that Israeli soldiers boarded the vessels and shut down cameras. Steering Committee member Yasmin Aqar stated, “Israeli naval ships have surrounded our boat Alma, we are prepared to be stopped.”
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A Boat Claims to Reach Gaza
Arab journalist Hassan Masoud, aboard the boat Mikeno, claimed in a video that his vessel had managed to enter Gaza’s territorial waters.
International Reactions
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said his Israeli counterpart assured him no violence would be used against activists, though foreign nationals might be deported. Italy’s largest trade union announced a general strike in protest, accusing Israel of deliberately blocking food and medical aid to Gaza, leaving children most at risk.
Mission Continues Despite Arrests
Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abu Khashik confirmed that 13 boats had been stopped but around 30 vessels were still attempting to reach Gaza, navigating the Mediterranean while avoiding Israeli warships.
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Voices from the Detainees
A pre-recorded video from American activist Leila Hegzi circulated on social media:
“If you are watching this video, it means I have been abducted by Israeli forces. This act is illegal. I call on the international community and the U.S. government to stop supporting Israel’s genocide of Palestinians and ensure our safe release.”
Background
The Global Samoud Flotilla is a joint initiative of European and Arab activists aiming to break Israel’s strict blockade of Gaza. Israel had repeatedly warned that it would not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza.
