Greta Thunberg DETAINED by Israeli Military as Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla is Intercepted in Daring Midnight Raid
- Greta Thunberg and dozens of pro-Palestinian activists are being held by Israeli authorities after a dramatic naval interception
- The Swedish climate activist was on board a ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza when it was boarded by Israeli troops
- Activists claim Israeli forces used “active aggression” and “rammed” their vessels, while Israel says the blockade is lawful and necessary for security
- Six Australians are among those detained, with their families fearing for their safety and well-being
Greta Thunberg, the world-renowned climate activist, has been detained by Israeli military forces after a daring midnight raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The Swedish teenager was on board one of the 49 vessels in the convoy, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian territory.
According to eyewitnesses, Israeli naval vessels approached the flotilla around 8pm local time, shining bright lights and spraying water on the decks of the ships. The activists on board reported seeing Israeli troops boarding some of the vessels, with Greta Thunberg’s ship being the first to be intercepted.
“Greta and her friends are safe and healthy,” the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, but the activists on board tell a different story. “Florida vessel has been deliberately rammed at sea. Yulara, Meteque and others have been targeted with water cannons,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a post on Telegram.
Australian activist Juliet Lamont, who is on board the Wahoo, a 50-foot yacht, described the scene as “bizarre and surreal”. “There’s actually been no real violence, yet,” she said, but expressed concern for the safety of those on board.
The Israeli government has accused the flotilla of having links to the militant group Hamas, a claim vehemently denied by the activists. “There’s absolutely no truth to it,” Ms Lamont said. “There’s nobody in this flotilla that has any militant contacts. It’s a total beat up and they do that and make us sound like we’re terrorists.”
The Australian government has expressed concern for the safety of the six Australians on board, with Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite saying they were “deeply concerned” about the risks to their safety.
The flotilla was carrying small quantities of aid, including food, medicine, and construction materials, and was attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The blockade has been in place since 2007 and has been widely condemned by human rights groups and international leaders.
The detention of Greta Thunberg and the other activists has sparked widespread condemnation, with many accusing Israel of “piracy” and “terrorism”. The Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry described the interception as “an act of terrorism that constitutes the most serious violation of international law and endangers the lives of innocent civilians”.
The fate of the detained activists remains uncertain, with some expected to be deported and others facing trial in an Israeli court. The incident has sparked a major diplomatic row, with many countries condemning Israel’s actions and calling for the release of the detained activists.