Israeli forces detain Gaza aid flotilla activists, including Greta Thunberg
Despite repeated warnings by the Israeli navy, a number of flotilla boats reported that they continued advancing
Highlights:
- Israeli forces detained dozens, including Greta Thunberg, from the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza.
- The flotilla had over 40 boats with around 500 people aiming to break the blockade.
- Organizers said some participants' status is still unconfirmed.
- Israel called the flotilla "provocative" and urged aid be sent via Ashdod port.
- Spain's health minister condemned the detentions as "inhumane."
- Some boats were intercepted while others continued toward Gaza.
Israeli forces have detained dozens of activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, after intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.
A flotilla carrying aid to Gaza says Israeli forces have boarded several of its vessels, as attempts continue to break Israel's blockade of the territory.
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The convoy, made up of more than 40 civilian boats carrying around 500 people, is the latest such attempt. Organizers said the status of some participants and crew remains unconfirmed.
"The status of participants and crew remains unconfirmed," the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement. "This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their immediate safety and release."
Despite repeated warnings by the Israeli navy, a number of flotilla boats reported that they continued advancing. Louay Charni, a participant, said in a video posted on Instagram: "We are at the back of the flotilla and we are continuing toward Gaza. No one intercepted us until now."
Israel releases video of Navy warning flotilla
The Israeli Foreign Ministry called the flotilla "provocative" and posted a video on X of an Israeli officer contacting the vessels.
"This is the Israeli Navy," the officer can be heard saying. "You are approaching a blockaded zone. If you wish to deliver aid to Gaza, you may do so through the established channels. Please change your course toward the port of Ashdod where the aid will undergo a security inspection and then be transferred into the Gaza Strip."
Spanish minister condemns action
While official confirmation of detentions is still pending, Spain's Health Minister Monica Garcia posted on X:
"The detention of the flotilla is yet another demonstration of Israel's inhumanity and its determination to destroy the Palestinian people."
She added: "We demand the immediate release of all those detained and that the international community act to stop the genocide in Gaza. Netanyahu and his government must be held accountable. Enough with impunity!"
Israel: Flotilla violating blockade
Israel's Foreign Ministry said the navy contacted the flotilla to warn that it was approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade. The ministry said Israel had reiterated its offer to transfer aid peacefully through safe channels.
The Israeli military spokesperson referred queries to the Foreign Ministry. Earlier, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X: "From all over, there are calls for this Hamas-Sumud provocation to stop. We join these calls and reiterate: It is not too late. Please transfer any aid you might have peacefully through the Port of Cyprus, the Ashkelon Marina, or any other port in the region into Gaza."
Communications disrupted
Several live camera feeds from the boats have been cutting out intermittently. Flotilla organizers said their communications were compromised at least twice during the journey across the Mediterranean—once during a sail past by unidentified vessels on Monday night, and earlier on September 24 off the Greek island of Gavdos.
Global Sumud Flotilla member Yasemin Acar said their radio systems had been jammed with ABBA music. She also claimed the civilian boats were targeted by drones carrying stun grenades and itching powder.
Interceptions reported
Lorenzo D'Agostino, an Italian journalist aboard the Hilo, reported that interceptions had begun. "From Alma we don't have communications anymore. Sirius intercepted, seen with my eyes, Captain Nikos intercepted, seen on chat. The rest of the flotilla keeps going," he said.
Tunisian organizers confirmed that the Israeli Navy had radioed all captains of the flotilla, warning that any attempt to continue toward Gaza would be considered a "violation," exposing participants to arrest and legal consequences.
A video filmed from the Sirius vessel shows another boat maneuvering nearby. An off-camera voice can be heard saying: "(The boat) circulating around us… blocking the way." Reuters confirmed the footage matched imagery of Sirius but could not independently verify the identity of the other vessel or the timing of the recording.
