Israel Intercepts Pro-Palestinian Flotilla, Detains Activists Including Greta Thunberg

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Israel has intercepted dozens of vessels attempting to breach its naval blockade of Gaza, announcing plans to deport pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, to Europe.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of around 45 ships carrying politicians, campaigners, and humanitarian aid, set sail last month in a bid to challenge Israel’s siege of the Palestinian territory. The United Nations has warned that Gaza is experiencing famine conditions amid the ongoing war.

Navy Intercepts Vessels in the Mediterranean

Israeli authorities said they began halting the ships on Wednesday after warning that entering the declared exclusion zone off Gaza would not be permitted. By Thursday, over 30 vessels had either been stopped or were presumed intercepted, according to the flotilla’s live-tracking system.

“Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health,” Israel’s foreign ministry said in a statement posted on X, alongside photos of Thunberg and other activists.

Organisers Call Interceptions “Illegal”

Flotilla organisers condemned the Israeli actions as unlawful, arguing the ships were sailing through international waters. They reported losing contact and livestreams with several boats.

“They are determined, motivated, and doing everything within their hands to be able to break the siege,” flotilla spokesman Saif Abukeshek said.

Hamas described the interceptions as “piracy and maritime terrorism.”

International Reactions Mount

The operation has sparked diplomatic pushback.

• Spain summoned Israel’s top representative in Madrid, citing the presence of 65 Spanish nationals aboard. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez insisted the flotilla posed “no threat.”

• Italy urged the convoy to halt before entering Israel’s declared exclusion zone, though activists accused Rome and Madrid of attempting to “sabotage” their mission.

• Turkey condemned the move as “an act of terrorism” and a violation of international law.

• Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans to expel Israeli diplomats from Bogotá in response.

Protests erupted in several Italian cities, including Rome and Naples, where demonstrators briefly blocked train services. Trade unions have called for another strike on Friday in solidarity with the flotilla.

Escalating Tensions at Sea

Organisers claimed their ships faced “harassment manoeuvres,” including being aggressively circled by Israeli warships. They also reported drone attacks during a 10-day stop in Tunisia earlier in September.

Israel has previously blocked similar flotilla campaigns in June and July. Officials argue the naval blockade is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling into Gaza, while critics say it exacerbates a humanitarian crisis.

Context: War and Diplomacy

The flotilla comes nearly a year after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza. Fighting has left tens of thousands dead, and the humanitarian situation remains dire.

Spanish and Italian officials warned that the convoy could complicate ongoing international peace efforts, including a U.S.-backed proposal under discussion.