Israeli forces stop relief boats to Gaza, detain Greta Thunberg and hundreds of activists

Tel Aviv (The Uttam Hindu): Israeli forces on Wednesday intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a global human rights campaign attempting to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip, in the Mediterranean Sea. The boats, packed with relief supplies and hundreds of civilians, were forcibly taken to an Israeli port, interrupting a peaceful protest that had captured global attention in recent days.

According to the international news agency Reuters, a video shared by the Israeli Foreign Ministry showed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg sitting on the deck of the ferry, surrounded by Israeli soldiers. She appeared calm in the video, while the movements of other passengers were closely monitored.

"Several boats of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely intercepted and their passengers are being brought to an Israeli port. Greta and her companions are safe and sound," the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Israeli forces block relief boats heading to Gaza, detain Greta Thunberg and hundreds of activists : The operation involved more than 40 boats, carrying around 500 people – including MPs, lawyers, doctors and social activists. The passengers claim that their mission was completely non-violent and humanitarian. In a video shared by the flotilla on Telegram, several passengers were seen showing their passports and saying that they were forcibly taken to Israel, while they only wanted to deliver medicines and food to Gaza.

The flotilla was moving through the Mediterranean Sea, and as it approached Gaza, the world's attention was riveted. Countries like Turkey, Spain, and Italy sent not only their boats but also surveillance drones to assist their citizens if needed. Despite this, Israel had already issued a clear warning that if these boats did not return, they would be intercepted.

The strongest reaction to the Israeli action came from Turkey. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling it an "attack" and an "act of terrorism." Turkey said the action endangered the lives of innocent civilians and violated international law.

Following this action, protests have erupted in many parts of Europe. Demonstrators in various Italian cities took to the streets, chanting slogans against Israel and demanding the release of those on board the flotilla. Several human rights organizations have called for UN intervention, calling it an attack on humanitarian efforts.

This entire incident has once again brought the blockade of Gaza and the humanitarian tragedy unfolding there to the forefront of the global stage. It will be important to see how the international community responds and whether this incident will give a new twist to the Gaza crisis.