Greta Thunberg among activists detained on flotilla carrying Gaza aid, faces deportation by Israel

The Israeli Navy has intercepted a group of aid boats headed for Gaza and detained several activists on board, among them Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, the flotilla was halted safely and its passengers moved to an Israeli port, where they are set to undergo deportation.

The fleet, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, had departed from Spain last month with around 45 vessels carrying nearly 500 participants, including lawmakers, lawyers, and campaigners. 

Their mission was to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, a territory the UN has warned is facing famine. The boats were reportedly carrying food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid when they were intercepted roughly 70 nautical miles from Gaza, inside what Israel described as an active combat zone. Organisers claimed that their communications, including live-stream feeds, were jammed during the operation.

In a statement on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said, “Passengers of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla are being taken safely and calmly to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe will begin. All individuals are safe and in good health.” The ministry also released video footage showing Thunberg surrounded by soldiers on a boat deck.

Israeli authorities argued that the flotilla was breaching a lawful naval blockade and reiterated their offer to transfer any humanitarian supplies to Gaza via approved channels. Most of the detained activists, including Thunberg, were being moved to Ashdod Port for deportation.

While more than 40 boats were brought under Israeli control, four vessels reportedly broke down en route due to technical problems. Despite this, flotilla organisers insisted that their mission was still underway, claiming that about 30 boats were continuing toward Gaza, some within 50 nautical miles of the enclave.

Saif Abukeshek, a spokesperson for the flotilla, confirmed that Israeli forces had intercepted 13 vessels carrying about 200 people, including many from Spain and Italy. In a video message posted on Instagram, he said, “Our mission continues.”

Videos shared on social media by the flotilla showed activists being stopped by Israeli forces, with some holding up their passports and accusing Israel of forcibly detaining them and transporting them against their will.