The Israeli army has halted the Global Sumud Flotilla before it could reach Gaza, detaining activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla’s aim was to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has been ongoing for 18 years. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that the ships were safely stopped, and the passengers were being moved to an Israeli port. They added that Thunberg and her companions were safe. A video showing Thunberg was shared. Israel has not presented evidence to support its claim that the flotilla is connected to Hamas. Activists have condemned the intervention as illegal, urging global action against Israel. They insisted they were carrying humanitarian supplies to address the needs of the people in Gaza, not weapons. Reports indicate that six ships have been intercepted, including the Alma. More interceptions are anticipated. Israeli soldiers boarded the ships, detaining many activists. The Freedom Flotilla II, a continuation of the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla, was launched in 2011. This flotilla, comprised of international activists and NGOs, sought to breach the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid. Previous attempts to reach Gaza have been unsuccessful. This flotilla shared the same goal.
