Israeli forces have intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla sailing towards Gaza and arrested several activists on board, including climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla, made up of 13 boats carrying over 200 people from 37 countries, was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid and break the blockade on Gaza.
The interception comes despite international calls to allow the flotilla safe passage. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and Colombian President Gustavo Petro had earlier demanded that the vessels be left unharmed. The flotilla had been livestreaming its journey for safety reasons as it neared Gaza.
Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek confirmed the arrests but said the mission continues. “We have around 30 ships that are still fighting their way away from the military vessels of the occupation forces. They are determined, they are motivated, and they are doing everything within their hand to be able to break this siege,” he said in a statement on Instagram.
French Member of European Parliament Emma Fourreau, who was on one of the intercepted boats, urged supporters to escalate global action against Israel. “Block the country, paralyze the global economy. Let’s finish the flotilla’s mission: end the blockade, end the genocide in Gaza,” she said.
Turkey strongly condemned the interception, calling it an attack on peaceful civilians in international waters. “This is proof that the fascist and militarist policies of the Netanyahu government are not limited to Palestinians,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, adding that Ankara would pursue legal action and work to secure the release of its citizens.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also issued a sharp condemnation. “By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world,” he said, vowing to use all lawful means to hold Israel accountable.
Meanwhile, protests have broken out in Argentina after it was confirmed that Buenos Aires legislator-elect Celeste Fierro was among those detained on the flotilla. “We are demanding that our country’s Foreign Ministry act quickly so Cele can be with us again,” fellow activist Sergio Garcia said at a rally in the capital.
Despite the arrests, flotilla organisers insist their mission is not over, with more vessels still attempting to sail towards Gaza in defiance of the Israeli blockade.
