Israel Detains Gaza Flotilla Activists, Plans Deportation

Thunberg and other activists after Israel intercepted flotilla vessels.

Israeli forces have intercepted the majority of a flotilla carrying food and foreign activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, on its way to Gaza. Organisers said 39 vessels were stopped, with only one still heading towards the Palestinian enclave.

Israel described the flotilla as a “provocation” and ordered it to change course to avoid violating its blockade. The detained passengers are expected to be transferred to immigration authorities at the port of Ashdod before being moved to Ketziot Prison and later deported, according to rights groups providing legal support.

Footage showed Israeli soldiers boarding the ships at night as activists in life vests raised their hands. A video released by Israeli authorities showed Thunberg surrounded by soldiers on a deck.

The flotilla, which set sail in late August, consisted of over 40 civilian vessels carrying around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, transporting food and medicine. It has become the most high-profile challenge to Israel’s Gaza blockade to date, drawing international attention and protests in several countries.

The Greek foreign ministry confirmed that 27 of its nationals aboard were in good health, while South Africa demanded the release of its citizens, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, who joined the mission in September.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the interception as a “grave offence” against global solidarity aimed at easing Gaza’s suffering. Israel, however, dismissed comparisons between its policies in Gaza and apartheid-era South Africa.