Israel came under heavy international criticism on Thursday after its navy intercepted nearly 40 boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and detained more than 450 foreign activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, Reuters reports.
Live footage from the flotilla showed Israeli soldiers in helmets and night-vision gear boarding the ships at night, while passengers in life vests raised their hands. A video released by Israel’s foreign ministry showed Thunberg seated on a deck surrounded by troops.
Worldwide Protests Erupt
The operation, launched two years into Israel’s assault on Gaza, triggered demonstrations across Europe as well as in Karachi, Buenos Aires and Mexico City. In Italy, trade unions announced a nationwide strike for Friday in protest.
According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which organised the voyage, more than 450 volunteers were detained, with some transferred to a cargo vessel before being brought ashore. One ship, the Marinette, remained at sea late Thursday, about 80 nautical miles from Gaza.
Thunberg, 22, best known for her climate activism, had pre-recorded a statement released after her detention:
«If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission was non-violent and in line with international law.»
A video released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry shows climate activist and Global Sumud Flotilla volunteer Greta Thunberg aboard the Alma being detained.
— TRT World (@trtworld) October 1, 2025
She is part of the largest maritime convoy attempting to break Israel’s siege of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the… pic.twitter.com/vCSxL8Bl2U
The flotilla, which set sail in late August, was carrying food and medicine to Gaza and included parliamentarians, lawyers and campaigners in a high-profile act of defiance against Israel’s blockade. Israel dismissed the mission as a political stunt, while several European governments had prepared ships and drones to assist their nationals if needed.
