Israeli Navy intercepts flotilla heading to Gaza, Greta Thunberg among others detained
The Israeli Navy intercepted boats carrying aid to Gaza and detained environmental activist Greta Thunberg and other activists aboard.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the boats were "safely intercepted" and the passengers are being taken to an Israeli port.
Israel says the boats were asked to change course because they were approaching a war zone.
“Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy,” the ministry said.
Israel said Thunberg and her friends are safe.
Israel will go to any lengths to maintain its blockade of Gaza: GSF
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) condemned the action as "illegal," saying it reflected "desperation, not defense."
The GSF has alleged that one of its boats heading towards Gaza was deliberately rammed by the Israeli Navy and that some of the boats were sprayed with water.
The organization says this shows that Israel will "go to any lengths" to maintain its blockade of Gaza.
Israel denies the allegations, saying the flotilla was warned in advance that it was violating a "legal naval blockade."
However, it is not yet clear whether the boats actually entered the restricted area.