Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was taken into custody Wednesday along with other campaigners after Israeli forces intercepted an aid flotilla headed for Gaza, according to the organizers.
The convoy, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, was stopped by the Israeli navy less than 100 miles from Gaza, the Telegraph reported. Departing from Barcelona in August, the flotilla carried about 500 activists along with food and medical supplies intended for Gaza, which has been under Israeli naval blockade.
Organizers posted on X that “our vessels are being illegally intercepted. Cameras are offline and vessels have been boarded by military personnel.” They said around 20 Israeli warships confronted the group. Israel’s navy stated it had warned the activists they were entering a combat zone and breaking a lawful blockade, adding that the supplies would be accepted if delivered to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
The flotilla’s organizers accused the navy of cutting communications, issuing repeated warnings, and forcibly boarding multiple vessels, including the Alma, where Thunberg was located. Passengers put on life vests and braced for the takeover. Activists claimed Israel also carried out attacks beforehand, including a drone strike using stun grenades in international waters—an allegation Israel denies. Officials maintain the flotilla is linked to Hamas, a charge the organizers reject.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video on X showing Thunberg on the ship’s deck being given water and a raincoat, noting, “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the flotilla as a deliberate provocation and said it needed to be halted. Several European governments had also urged the organizers to avoid confrontation.