Israel Detains Over 450 Activists Including Greta Thunberg After Gaza Aid Flotilla Interception

Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of around 40 vessels carrying nearly 500 activists and humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining over 450 foreign activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The flotilla aimed to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza, which Israel maintains as a necessary security measure, while the activists and many international observers consider it a violation of international law. Detainees, including Thunberg, were taken to Israeli ports, with plans for deportation to Europe, but some are reportedly held in the Ketziot prison, notorious for alleged mistreatment of Palestinian inmates. The interception sparked international condemnation and protests in cities worldwide, with countries such as Turkey and Malaysia denouncing Israel's actions and calling for the detainees' release. Israel stated that the flotilla breached a lawful naval blockade and that humanitarian aid would be delivered through approved channels. The incident has heightened diplomatic tensions and drawn attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid ongoing conflict.