Israel announced Thursday it will deport to Europe dozens of pro-Palestinian activists detained after the navy intercepted vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean. The flotilla of around 45 boats, carrying nearly 500 activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, set sail last month in a bid to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza, where the UN has warned of famine.
By Thursday, more than 30 vessels had been intercepted or presumed stopped. Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed the passengers were safe, in good health, and being processed for deportation. Photos of Thunberg and others aboard were released online. Flotilla organizers, however, denounced the interceptions as “illegal,” insisting they were sailing in international waters. They said communication with several boats had been lost.
Despite warnings from Spain and Italy, whose governments advised against crossing into Israel’s exclusion zone off Gaza, the flotilla vowed to continue its mission. Italy and Spain both deployed naval escorts to protect their citizens but urged activists to stop before the declared boundary.
The effort has sparked global reactions. Hamas condemned the move as “piracy,” while Turkey called it a “serious violation of international law.” Colombia announced it would expel remaining Israeli diplomats. Spain summoned Israel’s envoy in Madrid after confirming 65 Spanish citizens were on board, while Italian PM Giorgia Meloni warned the standoff could undermine peace efforts.
The flotilla earlier reported harassment at sea, including Israeli warships circling their vessels and drone attacks during a stop in Tunisia. Organizers accused Israel of “intimidation tactics” but pledged to press on with aid delivery to Gaza.
This is the third such flotilla blocked by Israel since June, as international criticism of its Gaza policy continues to mount.
During this attack, Ex-Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Arrested as Israel Stops Gaza Sumud Flotilla
