Israel deported four Italian activists on Friday, marking the first group of hundreds detained from the Global Sumud Flotilla. This follows the interception of the last remaining boat of the flotilla, which had set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The flotilla, carrying politicians, activists, and celebrities like Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was on a mission to provide aid to Gaza, where the UN has reported worsening famine conditions. Israel’s forces intercepted the flotilla’s final vessel, the Marinette, approximately 80 nautical miles from Gaza. The boat was boarded by armed Israeli soldiers in helmets and night-vision goggles, with passengers raising their hands in surrender as soldiers took control of nearly all 40 boats in the flotilla.
Over 450 foreign activists were detained, including Thunberg, who was filmed surrounded by soldiers on the deck of her boat. Thunberg had pre-recorded a message declaring that she had been “abducted” by Israeli forces and emphasized the non-violent nature of the flotilla’s humanitarian mission.
As Israel began deportations, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that the activists would be sent back to European capitals by charter flights in the coming days. Israel’s foreign ministry stated that the activists were in good health and would be transferred to Ketziot Prison before their deportation.
The flotilla, which departed in late August, carried essential supplies, including medicine and food. The mission was seen as a protest against Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which many international observers view as a violation of international law. Israel has called the flotilla a “stunt,” insisting it was a violation of its lawful blockade, and reiterated its offer to transfer aid through official channels.
The interception of the flotilla has sparked mass protests in cities around the world, including in Europe, Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. In response, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of aggression and underlining the flotilla’s goal to raise awareness of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Turkish government has also launched an investigation into the detention of Turkish citizens on the flotilla.
Meanwhile, Israel is continuing its military operations in Gaza, including deploying remote-controlled vehicles loaded with explosives to target Gaza City. The Israeli military has urged residents to evacuate ahead of further airstrikes. In response, Hamas condemned the interception of the flotilla and called for public protests against Israel’s actions.
The flotilla’s interception is part of a broader geopolitical situation, with the United States and Israel recently proposing a new plan to end the Gaza conflict, demanding that Hamas surrender. If Hamas rejects the proposal, further escalations are anticipated.
