At least 20 Israeli naval vessels have intercepted a pro-Palestinian flotilla in the Mediterranean as it attempted to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza, with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and six Australians among those detained.
The Global Sumud Flotilla was carrying nearly 500 activists, doctors, lawyers and parliamentarians from 44 countries when it was stopped about 70–80 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast.
The Australians onboard are Bianca Webb-Pullman, Daniel Coward, Surya McEwan, Juliet Lamont, Hamish Paterson and Abubakir Rafiq.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a video of the first vessel being boarded by forces — the Alma, which carried Thunberg. Their post stated that “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy”.
Organisers of the flotilla countered that the navy had acted unlawfully, writing on Instagram: “Our vessels are being illegally intercepted. Cameras are offline and vessels have been boarded by military personnel. We are actively working to confirm the safety and status of all participants.”
The fleet of more than 40 vessels set sail from Barcelona on August 31 carrying a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza — mainly food and medicine.
Australia’s response to the flotilla interception
Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite, said before the interception that the government was “deeply concerned” about the safety of the Australians onboard.
“Australia calls on all parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law, and to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla,” he said in a statement.
“We understand people are distressed and want to respond to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza — we also want to see critical aid being delivered. However, we are very concerned about the safety of these people, including Australians.”
Israel’s reaction to the flotilla
In footage released by Israel’s foreign ministry, a naval officer radioed the flotilla: “You are approaching a blockaded zone. If you wish to deliver aid to Gaza, you may do so through the established channels.”
The ministry later confirmed several flotilla vessels were escorted to Ashdod port, saying: “Several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port.”
Israel argues its blockade is legal under international law and repeated its offer to transfer humanitarian aid into Gaza through official channels. Activists aboard rejected that claim, maintaining the blockade itself is unlawful.
International reaction
Türkiye’s Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned the operation, calling it “an act of terrorism” and saying it “constitutes the most serious violation of international law and endangers the lives of innocent civilians”.
Protests erupted in Berlin and Rome at the news of the flotilla’s interception where demonstrators chanted “Free Palestine”.
Escalation in Gaza City
The blockade confrontation came as Israel intensified ground and air operations in Gaza City. On Wednesday, Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on X that Israeli forces had seized the Netzarim corridor, effectively cutting off the north of the strip from the south.
“This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas operatives isolated in Gaza City,” Katz said.
“Those who remain will be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters.”
Witnesses reported heavy bombardments in parts of Gaza City through the night. Israel’s military said it had also closed the last remaining route allowing movement between southern and northern Gaza, forcing civilians travelling south to pass through military checkpoints.
Hundreds of flotilla participants are expected to be detained, taken to Ashdod, and then deported. Those who refuse to sign deportation papers may face hearings before Israeli military tribunals.
While the Global Sumud Flotilla was carrying only symbolic quantities of aid, organisers argue their mission was to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As they wrote in a statement: “Our main goal is to break the siege and show solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
Lead image: AP Images
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