ISLAMABAD: More than 400 pro-Palestinian activists aboard 41 vessels in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla were detained by Israeli naval forces after a 12-hour operation, an Israeli official said Thursday, according to AFP.
“In an operation that lasted roughly 12 hours, Israeli Navy personnel foiled a large-scale incursion attempt by hundreds of individuals aboard 41 vessels that had declared their intention to breach the legal maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip,” the official said.
The detainees, more than 400 in total, were taken to the port of Ashdod for processing, Israeli authorities confirmed. Organizers of the voyage, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), said 443 volunteers were aboard, some transferred onto a cargo vessel before being brought ashore, Reuters reported.
Netanyahu praises interception
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the naval operation, saying it had prevented “dozens of vessels from entering the war zone” and had “repelled a campaign of delegitimisation against Israel.” The interception took place on Yom Kippur, Israel’s holiest day.
The GSF began its voyage last month with around 45 vessels carrying politicians, activists, and rights campaigners, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The United Nations has warned that famine has taken hold in Gaza.
The Israeli navy intercepted vessels throughout Wednesday and Thursday, warning participants against entering what it described as blockade waters. Thunberg’s boat was among those halted.
Deportations to Europe planned
Israel’s foreign ministry said the activists would be deported to Europe, posting photos of Thunberg and others aboard a yacht. “Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin,” the ministry said on X.
Global Reactions
Rights group Amnesty International condemned the interception as “an act of intimidation intended to punish and silence critics of Israel’s genocide and its unlawful blockade on Gaza.”
Turkey called the move “an act of terrorism” and opened an investigation after Turkish nationals were detained. Spain summoned Israel’s top envoy in Madrid, noting 65 Spaniards were on board, while prosecutors launched a probe into possible crimes against humanity.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum demanded the “immediate” repatriation of six Mexican nationals, stressing they had “committed no crime.”
South Africa also called for the release of all detainees, including Mandla Mandela, grandson of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.
Israel has previously blocked flotilla attempts in June and July this year.
