The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted an aid vessel off the coast of the Gaza Strip on Monday, detaining climate activist Greta Thunberg and several other pro-Palestinian advocates who were attempting to breach the long-standing naval blockade of the territory.
The vessel, named the “Handala,” was part of a flotilla organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).
The voyage, which began in Sicily, was halted by the IDF as it neared the Gaza shoreline. Israeli authorities announced plans to transport Thunberg and her fellow activists to the Port of Ashdod. Upon their arrival, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in a post on X that they would be shown footage of the October 7 massacres perpetrated by Hamas.
READ: Decades After Teen Double Murder At Grad Party, Killer Arrested Again In LA ICE Sweep
Thunberg, who gained global recognition for her climate change activism and was named TIME Magazine’s “Person of the Year” in 2019, has increasingly focused her advocacy on the Palestinian cause in recent years.
In a pre-recorded message released just before her detention, Thunberg appealed for international support. “I urge all my friends, family, and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,” she said.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry publicly derided the flotilla, labeling the “Handala” a “selfie yacht” and dismissing the effort as a “media gimmick for publicity.” The ministry asserted on Sunday that the vessel carried less than a “single truckload” of aid.
The FFC maintains that the voyage was a “peaceful” mission, carrying essential humanitarian supplies such as baby formula, diapers, sanitary products, water desalination kits, and medical equipment. The group reported that the vessel was seized in international waters, approximately 200 kilometers from the Gaza coast.
READ: Texas Sen. Cruz Mocks California Gov. Newsom With “Translation” Over National Guard Deployment
While the activists contend that Israel is obstructing aid to Gaza, the U.S.- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation recently established aid distribution centers within the territory. The Times of Israel reported that these centers distributed approximately 17,000 boxes of food on Sunday alone.
Israel has enforced a blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, citing the necessity of preventing Hamas, the ruling militant group, from importing weapons and other military supplies. Amid ongoing Israeli military operations, reports suggest that Hamas is facing challenges in sustaining its fighters.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
