Israel Intercepts Activists’ Gaza Aid Flotilla

Israeli forces intercepted the UK-flagged vessel Madleen carrying 12 international activists, including Greta Thunberg, as they attempted to deliver symbolic aid to Gaza in protest of Israel’s naval blockade. The activists, who surrendered peacefully and were reported to be in good health, were detained, processed at Ashdod port, and taken to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation, with judicial proceedings threatened for those refusing to sign deportation documents. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt and ordered the activists to view footage of the October 7 Hamas attacks. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, along with Turkey and Iran, condemned the interception, labeling it an attack and piracy. The event coincided with a symbolic land convoy from Tunisia and North African countries seeking to break the Gaza siege. The incident highlights ongoing controversy over Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which Israel defends on security grounds while critics call it collective punishment.