Israel's navy intercepted a flotilla of boats attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza on Wednesday, detaining several activists, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the interception, stating that the activists were safe and being transferred to an Israeli port. The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, consisted of nearly 50 boats and around 500 activists, aiming to break the blockade imposed on Gaza, which has been severely affected by ongoing conflict.

The Israeli authorities reported that the boats were intercepted approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza's coast. They claimed that the flotilla was not genuinely interested in delivering aid but was instead seeking to provoke a confrontation. The ministry reiterated that the group had been warned about violating a lawful naval blockade and had been offered alternative means to deliver aid peacefully.

Footage released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry showed Thunberg on the deck of one of the boats, receiving water and a jacket from an Israeli military member. Activists aboard the flotilla reported that Israeli naval vessels had approached them aggressively, using water cannons against some boats. They described the interception as an illegal act and a desperate attempt to maintain the blockade.

The flotilla's organizers condemned the Israeli actions, stating that their mission was purely humanitarian. They accused the Israeli military of jamming their communications and attempting to block their livestreams during the interception. Despite the challenges, the activists remained determined to reach Gaza, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid in the region.

International reactions have varied, with Turkey condemning the interception as an act of terrorism and calling for the release of detained activists. Meanwhile, European governments, including Spain and Italy, urged the flotilla to turn back to avoid confrontation. Spain's Prime Minister defended the mission, stating it was a humanitarian effort that should not be hindered by the Israeli government.

The flotilla's journey began a month ago from Barcelona, and it was expected to reach Gaza by Thursday morning. However, given the interception, the activists acknowledged the likelihood of their mission being thwarted. The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the blockade of Gaza and the international debate over humanitarian access to the region.