The situation surrounding the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” which included Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, has escalated into violence. Israeli naval forces surrounded the vessels heading to the Gaza Strip and began intercepting them.
The Israeli Navy has launched an operation against a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza
According to the organizers, contact with several ships was lost shortly after the declaration of a state of emergency. Among the detained vessels were the Alma and the Cyrus, whose crews will be transported by the Israeli military to the port of Ashdod for further processing. It was also reported that some journalists, including Al Jazeera correspondents, lost contact or were detained during a live broadcast.
Israeli Official Position
The Israeli Foreign Ministry emphasized that the ships violated the “legal naval blockade” and refused offers to peacefully deliver the supplies through controlled channels. The ministry stated that the organizers’ goal was “political provocation, not genuine humanitarian aid.”
Reaction and Accusations
Activists claim they were transporting baby food and medicine, accusing Israel of “war crimes.” The International Committee to Break the Blockade warned of the risk of further detentions as Israeli boats continue to approach the remaining vessels.
International Reaction
Member of the European Parliament Brindo Benifay called the Israeli navy’s actions “illegal” and condemned the forceful intervention. Meanwhile, Israel stated that the flotilla members deliberately entered the combat zone, despite warnings of possible arrest.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for Donald Trump’s plan to resolve the Gaza conflict. This move could strengthen Israel’s international standing and restore the trust of its foreign allies. However, domestically, it could exacerbate tensions with its far-right coalition partners, who oppose any hint of Palestinian statehood.
