Israel Seizes Gaza-Bound Aid Ship, Detains Greta Thunberg And Activists

Israeli forces have seized a Gaza-bound aid ship and detained Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and other passengers on board, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has intensified during the war with Hamas, Yesica Fisch reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, accused Israel of “kidnapping” the activists and seizing their ship in international waters. I Photo: Greta Thunberg Facebook

The activists had set sail to protest Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza—one of the deadliest and most destructive conflicts since World War II—and its restrictions on humanitarian aid. Both have pushed Gaza’s population of 2 million toward the brink of famine.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, accused Israel of “kidnapping” the activists and seizing their ship in international waters.

“The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo—including baby formula, food, and medical supplies—confiscated,” the group said in a statement.

The vessel was reportedly intercepted about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the Gaza coast.

In a pre-recorded message released after the seizure, Thunberg urged supporters to pressure the Swedish government for her release and that of her fellow activists.

The group also posted videos on Instagram alleging that Israeli forces had jammed their communications in preparation for the operation, according to Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA).