The Israeli army detained 13 ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Modern.az reports that in a video released by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg was confirmed to be surrounded by Israeli soldiers.
The Ministry stated that all those detained are in good health and have been taken to an Israeli port.
According to the organizers, 30 ships are still heading towards Gaza without changing their course. The incident has caused serious international protests and diplomatic tension.
The mission, named “Global Sumud Flotilla”, is carrying medicine and food to Gaza. In total, a crew consisting of over 40 civilian ships and more than 500 politicians, lawyers, and activists is participating. They state that this mission is a non-violent humanitarian initiative.
Turkey has called Israel's intervention a “terrorist act”. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has decided to expel all Israeli diplomatic representatives from the country and revoke the free trade agreement. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israel's detention of eight Malaysians. In Italy, a nationwide strike has been declared in solidarity.
Official Tel Aviv notes that the mission's purpose is not humanitarian, but political and provocative. The statement indicates that although the Israeli side repeatedly offered to deliver aid to Gaza through safe channels, the organizers refused.
Israel's naval blockade of Gaza has been ongoing since 2007. In 2010, during a similar incident, 9 activists were killed. The current conflict has deepened further after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Since then, over 65,000 people are reported to have died in Gaza.
