Pro-Palestinian Flotilla Intercepted by Israeli Forces Amid International Tensions

At least two ships from a pro-Palestinian flotilla were intercepted by Israeli forces approximately 75 miles off the coast of Gaza, as the group attempted to breach the maritime blockade of the territory to deliver humanitarian aid. Reports indicate that several other vessels in the flotilla also faced interception. The operation began with the flotilla's flagship, the Alma, whose crew has been detained by Israeli soldiers. Notably aboard the Alma was environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who informed her followers through an Instagram video just before the interception, stating, "My name is Greta Thunberg. I am on board the ship Alma. We are about to be intercepted by Israel." Following the boarding, Thunberg and her fellow activists were arrested and taken into custody at the port of Ashdod. The Global Sumud Flotilla, composed of over 40 civilian boats carrying approximately 500 individuals including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists such as Thunberg and actress Susan Sarandon, has been on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite repeated warnings from Israel to turn back. As the vessels sailed in international waters, they entered what was described as a high-risk zone previously marked by Israeli naval incursions against boats attempting to breach the blockade. Activists reported that around 7:25 PM, nearly 20 Israeli naval ships approached the flotilla, commanding them to turn off their engines. Live broadcasts from the flotilla showed passengers seated in life jackets awaiting interception. However, the broadcast was cut off shortly thereafter. The flotilla’s official Instagram page conveyed their distress: "Our vessels are being illegally intercepted. Cameras are offline, and military personnel have boarded the boats. We are working to confirm the safety and status of all participants on board." As the Israeli military gained control of six vessels, including the Alma, Sirus, and Spectra, some boats continued moving forward despite attempts by Israeli naval forces to block their passage using water cannons. Footage captured by Sky Italia showed activists facing powerful jets of water from the Israeli ships, with reports of loud bangs near several vessels believed to originate from stun grenades dropped from drones. Yasemin Acar, a member of the flotilla’s steering committee, indicated that Israeli ships had surrounded the Alma and warned that interception was imminent. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they had contacted the Gaza aid flotilla and requested that they change course towards the Israeli port of Ashdod for aid unloading. Activists on board, however, insisted on proceeding to Gaza. Earlier on the day of the interception, activists reported aggressive approaches from two Israeli warships that circled their boats and jammed communications, including the live onboard broadcasts. Italy’s foreign minister announced that assurances from the Israeli government indicated no violence would be used during the interception. Antonio Tajani stated, "We are discussing this with the Israeli foreign minister to ensure no violent actions from the Tel Aviv armed forces." In response to the boarding actions, spontaneous protests erupted across Italy, with demonstrators taking to the streets in cities like Rome, Naples, and Bologna. Italian trade unions also called for a general strike in support of Palestine set for Friday. The Israeli government has claimed that some individuals in the flotilla have connections to Hamas, although no supporting evidence has been presented. Activists dismissed these accusations, arguing they serve as justification for potential attacks. European governments, including Spain and Italy, which had earlier sent naval ships to escort the flotilla, urged the activists to turn back. While Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni raised concerns about the flotilla's actions jeopardizing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Gaza, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered support, underscoring that the flotilla represents a humanitarian mission that highlights the dire need for aid into Gaza. The flotilla began its journey from the Spanish port of Barcelona a month ago, intending to reach Gaza's shores by Thursday morning if unimpeded. This blockade has been in place since 2009 as a response to Hamas's control of the territory and has faced condemnation from the United Nations, as it constitutes a violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Legal expert Yuval Shany from Hebrew University has remarked that Israel may intercept the vessels as long as the blockade is militarily justified. However, the legality of this blockade is contentious, with the flotilla arguing that it constitutes a civilian, unarmed group acting under international law to deliver humanitarian aid. Past attempts by activists to challenge the naval blockade have been met with force, such as the tragic events in 2010 when ten Turkish activists lost their lives during a similar mission. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2