The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the seizure of another flotilla attempting to breach its naval blockade and reach Gaza, dismissing the effort as a “futile attempt” that “ended in nothing.” The ministry also confirmed that the vessels and their occupants were transferred to an Israeli port, where they were reported to be safe and in good health. Passengers are expected to be deported promptly, according to the ministry.
This nine-vessel convoy was reportedly carrying 145 activists participating in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition & Thousand Madleens to Gaza, citing the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Flotilla organizers stated that the fleet was transporting over $110,000 worth of aid, including medicine, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies intended for Gaza’s hospitals.
David Heap, from the Canadian Boat to Gaza and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition Steering Committee, asserted that “Israel possesses no legal authority to detain international volunteers aboard these ships.”
He further added, “Our volunteers are not subject to Israeli jurisdiction and cannot be criminalized for delivering aid or challenging an illegal blockade. Their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end immediately.”
This recent seizure occurred just days after Israeli forces intercepted another flotilla and arrested the activists on board, including Greta Thunberg, a vocal critic of Israel. Thunberg had also been apprehended while participating in a flotilla in June.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted on October 2nd, became a source of controversy when Israel claimed the fleet carried no aid. Flotilla organizers vehemently insisted that this claim was “not just verifiably false; it is obscene,” stating that the boats were “meticulously documented, loaded with medical supplies, food and other life-saving foods for people in Gaza.”
Thunberg was also aboard another Gaza-bound flotilla that was intercepted in June. The climate activist claimed she had been “kidnapped” by Israel, a comment that drew scrutiny from those who highlighted the plight of hostages held in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
The activist was subsequently deported from Israel and reportedly informed attorneys that she believed she could achieve “more good outside of Israel,” and that refusing to leave would “harm our cause,” The Times of Israel reported, citing a spokesperson for Adalah, a legal center for Arab minority rights in Israel. Adalah now represents GSF, a more recent attempt to reach Gaza.
In June, when asked about Thunberg’s claim of being “kidnapped” by Israel, President said, “I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg.” The president referred to the climate activist as a “strange person” and told reporters that she needed “anger management” courses.