Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla; detains Greta Thunberg, others
What's the story
The Israeli military has intercepted a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Spain with over 500 activists and politicians on board, was stopped by Israeli forces in international waters. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said "several vessels" had been "safely stopped", with passengers being taken to an Israeli port. "Greta and her friends are safe and healthy," a spokesperson said.
Mission controversy
Flotilla violates lawful blockade, says Israel
Israel has accused the flotilla of violating a lawful blockade, saying its sole purpose is "provocation." "Israel, Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have all offered and continue to offer the flotilla a way to peacefully deliver any aid they might have to Gaza. The flotilla refused," said the Israeli foreign ministry. The interception took place in international waters around 129km off the coast, with Israeli forces reportedly using water cannons on some of the boats.
Legal dispute
Flotilla organizers claim illegal interception
The flotilla, which left Barcelona and was expected to arrive on Thursday morning, had been flanked by NATO warships for part of the journey. The flotilla organizers have claimed they were "illegally intercepted and boarded" by Israeli forces in international waters. They said live streams and communications with other vessels have been lost since the interception. Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian European Parliament member, alleged that "hundreds" of people have been illegally arrested and detained by Israel.
Global backlash
Interception sparks international outrage
The interception has drawn international criticism, with Hamas calling it "piracy and maritime terrorism." Protests have erupted in Italy and Turkey, with Italy's largest union calling for a general strike over the incident. Turkey's foreign ministry termed the interception an "attack" and "an act of terror." Colombian President Gustavo Petro also announced plans to expel Israeli diplomats in response to the incident.
Historical context
Previous attempts to break Gaza blockade
This is not the first attempt to break Israel's naval blockade on Gaza, which has been in place since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. Last week, drones dropped stun grenades and itching powder on some vessels. Activists involved in this latest campaign have threatened to go on a hunger strike if detained by Israeli authorities.