Israeli Navy Seizes Gaza Flotilla, Detains Dozens Including Lawmakers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Israeli navy intercepted nearly all boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining activists and European lawmakers attempting to break the Gaza blockade. Dozens, including Greta Thunberg and EU member Rima Hassan, were arrested. Governments worldwide condemned the action, while Israel insisted the flotilla was a provocation.
Gaza Flotilla Interception Quick Looks
- Over 40 boats, 450 activists attempted to breach Gaza blockade
- Israel boarded most vessels overnight, declaring the operation over
- Dozens arrested, including Greta Thunberg, Ada Colau, and Rima Hassan
- Flotilla carried symbolic humanitarian aid, aimed to highlight Gaza siege
- Protests erupted worldwide — Rome, Istanbul, Athens, Buenos Aires
- Italy’s largest union announced one-day general strike in solidarity
- Turkey and Pakistan condemned interception as “terrorism” under international law
- Israel insists blockade prevents Hamas arms imports; critics say it’s collective punishment
- Gaza war death toll: 66,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023
- Colombian President expels Israeli diplomats, ends trade deal in response
Deep Look
Israel Intercepts Largest Gaza Flotilla in Years, Arrests Dozens of Activists and Lawmakers
JERUSALEM — The Israeli navy on Thursday intercepted and boarded most of the boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a large convoy of activists attempting to break Gaza’s 17-year blockade, arresting dozens of participants, including prominent European lawmakers and global activists.
The flotilla — more than 40 boats with 450 activists — was billed as the largest challenge yet to Israel’s naval blockade, aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of aid while drawing attention to what organizers called an “illegal siege” and “ongoing genocide” against Palestinians.
By Thursday afternoon, Israel’s Foreign Ministry declared the operation complete, saying nearly all vessels had been seized, with only one still at sea but “under monitoring.”
The Flotilla and Its Goals
The convoy, dubbed the Global Sumud (steadfastness) Flotilla, streamed live footage of its journey until connections were severed as Israeli commandos began boarding in international waters late Wednesday.
Activists wore life jackets, linked arms, and raised their hands in nonviolent defiance. Some managed to live-stream Israeli forces approaching with water cannons, spotlights, and boarding teams before tossing their phones into the sea to avoid seizure.
The flotilla carried small amounts of food and medical supplies, but organizers said their goal was never the aid volume — it was to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
Arrests of Prominent Figures
Among those detained were Greta Thunberg, Swedish climate activist; Ada Colau, former mayor of Barcelona; and Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament.
The Israeli government posted photos and video of detainees, saying they were “safe, in good health” and would be deported.
International Reactions
Global backlash was immediate.
- Turkey’s Foreign Ministry denounced the interception as an “act of terrorism” and violation of international law.
- Pakistan condemned it as a breach of humanitarian rights, accusing Israel of endangering civilian lives.
- Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced he would expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation and terminate a free trade deal, calling the blockade “genocide.”
- Italy’s largest labor union declared a general strike in solidarity, despite Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticizing the move, warning it would harm Italians more than help Palestinians.
- France, Italy, and Poland — whose citizens were among detainees — said they were working with Israel for swift deportations.
Gaza War Backdrop
The flotilla comes amid heightened scrutiny of Israel’s war in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251. Nearly two years later, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israel believing only about 20 are alive.
Israel’s campaign has killed over 66,000 Palestinians and injured nearly 170,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. While the ministry is part of Hamas’ administration, UN officials and independent experts generally treat its casualty figures as reliable.
Israel maintains the blockade is a lawful security measure to prevent Hamas from importing weapons. Critics argue it constitutes collective punishment, cutting off civilians from essentials like fuel, medicine, and food.
Escalating Global Protests
The flotilla’s interception triggered street demonstrations in cities worldwide — from Rome and Athens to Buenos Aires and Istanbul. More protests are expected throughout the week.
Meanwhile, Italy’s decision to strike, Colombia’s dramatic diplomatic break, and Turkey’s fiery condemnation indicate that Israel’s handling of Gaza is straining international alliances, even with countries previously aligned with its policies.
As Israel tightens its blockade, critics argue the flotilla arrests highlight not just the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also the growing isolation Israel faces on the world stage.
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