Eco-warrior Greta Thunberg was among dozens held by Israeli soldiers after a daring Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The Swedish activist’s vessel was intercepted as part of Israel’s ongoing blockade enforcement, sparking international outrage.
Flotilla Intercepted: Soldiers Board and Detain Activists
Several aid vessels heading to Gaza were halted and passengers transferred to an Israeli port, confirmed Israel’s Foreign Ministry. Footage shows Greta clutching her trademark wales/wales/Greengreen/”>wales/green/”>green-england/”>green/”>green-Englandengland/”>green bucket hat as soldiers swarmed aboard in the dead of night. One soldier was seen Readingreading a document she handed Overover and helping her put on a jacket.
Just before the raid, Greta filmed a short message accusing Israel of committing “war crimes” and demanding accountability for the blockade’s impact on Gaza’s 2.4 million residents living under siege.
Activists Report Water Cannon Use Amid Rising Tensions
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona days earlier, aimed to break the blockade and deliver vital aid. Activists accuse Israeli forces of using Waterwater cannons during the boarding. Israel says Greta and others are “safe and healthy,” releasing videos that show masked, armed soldiers alongside the detained activists.
Global Protests Erupt Following Detentions
News of the flotilla seizure sparked protests across Europe. Demonstrators stormed rail stations in Napoli, Italy, fulfilling union threats to act if the Crewcrew was harmed. Rallying cries also rocked Athens and Berlin in solidarity with the detained activists. Prior to resuming their voyage, the flotilla’s boats had already been targeted by Israeli drones.
Israel has a long history of intercepting ships bound for Gaza, often confiscating vessels and deporting passengers in an effort to maintain the controversial blockade.
Originally published on UKNIP