JERUSALEM (BN24) — Israel drew widespread condemnation and sparked mass protests worldwide on Thursday after its navy intercepted nearly all of a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining more than 450 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
The Israeli military said its forces boarded dozens of the roughly 40 vessels in the early morning hours, describing the flotilla as an attempt to breach a lawful blockade. Live video streams from the ships showed armed soldiers in helmets and night-vision gear storming the boats as passengers, many wearing life jackets, raised their hands in surrender.
Among those detained was Thunberg, 22, who appeared in footage released by Israel’s foreign ministry sitting on the deck surrounded by soldiers. A pre-recorded video of Thunberg was released shortly after her detention.
“If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces,” she said. “Our humanitarian mission was nonviolent and in full compliance with international law.”
Global Outcry and Mass Protests
The raid ignited protests in cities across Europe, as well as in Karachi, Buenos Aires, Mexico City and Istanbul. Italian labor unions called a general strike for Friday in response to the incident. Turkey’s chief prosecutor opened an investigation after 24 Turkish citizens were detained. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa demanded the release of nationals onboard, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.
The flotilla’s organizers, the Global Sumud Flotilla, said more than 450 people had been detained, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and prominent human rights defenders. One boat, the Marinette, was still attempting to reach Gaza on Thursday night, roughly 80 nautical miles from its coast.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said most of the detained activists would likely be expelled early next week and flown to European capitals. Israeli officials confirmed the detainees were being processed at Ashdod port and would be moved to Ketziot Prison before deportation.
Israel Defends Blockade
Israel’s foreign ministry called the flotilla a “provocation,” saying it would not allow any vessel to breach the blockade around Gaza, which has been under heavy bombardment for nearly two years. “One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance,” the ministry said in a statement. “If it approaches, it will also be prevented.”
The flotilla set out in late August with food and medicine bound for Gaza in defiance of Israel’s blockade, which critics argue constitutes a violation of the Genocide Convention. Israel, meanwhile, is defending itself against charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice, insisting its military operations are acts of self-defense following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and saw more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza.
Hamas and International Response
Hamas, which governs Gaza, condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla as a “criminal act” and urged global demonstrations. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also condemned what he called “thuggery” against a mission seeking only to provide aid to starving Palestinians.
The United States and Israel this week announced a new proposal to end the conflict, requiring Hamas to surrender. President Donald Trump said he would temporarily oversee Gaza’s governance under the plan, warning of further escalation if Hamas refused.
Humanitarian Mission Under Fire
The flotilla, carrying civilians from dozens of countries, represented one of the most high-profile attempts to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade since the war began. Organizers accused Israel of jamming communications from the vessels to suppress live broadcasts.
The raid comes as Palestinian health officials report more than 66,000 deaths in Gaza since Israel launched its offensive. Vast parts of the enclave have been reduced to rubble, while international agencies warn of famine and a collapsing health system.
