A dramatic maritime confrontation unfolded late Wednesday when Israeli naval forces intercepted multiple vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a pro-Palestinian convoy sailing towards Gaza to break the blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.
According to Israeli media, IDF commandos boarded at least six ships, including the Alma, Sirius, and Adara. Among the detained activists was Greta Thunberg, along with hundreds of peace campaigners from over 40 countries. They were taken to Ashdod Port after the operation.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the interceptions, stating no harm was caused and “Greta and her friends are safe.” Yet flotilla organizers condemned the action as an “illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians in international waters,” claiming Israeli warships deliberately disabled communications to block distress calls and livestreams.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said more than 30 vessels remain at sea, about 70 nautical miles from Gaza, and vowed to continue their mission. The group urged world leaders to demand “safety and release” for all detainees.
Both Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and France’s Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the Israeli intervention and called for guarantees of activist safety. Tajani said detainees would be repatriated to Europe within two days.
Israel argues the flotilla’s “sole aim is provocation,” asserting that official channels via Ashdod Port exist for delivering aid to Gaza. In sharp contrast, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of committing an “act of terrorism in international waters.”
The Greek delegation confirmed its vessels Alma and Sirius were intercepted at 21:35, denouncing the operation as a “violation of international law.”
