JERUSALEM (AP) — Hundreds of Israeli police officers were deployed to the southern port of Ashdod to process approximately 450 international activists detained by Israeli naval forces in the Mediterranean Sea. The activists, which included European lawmakers, were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest attempt to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza yet, when their vessels were intercepted. This operation has drawn widespread condemnation and triggered protests worldwide.
The flotilla, comprised of over 40 boats, sought to deliver a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with organizers emphasizing their goal to "break Israel's illegal siege and end the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people." However, Israeli authorities characterized the operation as a provocation, deploying naval forces to halt the flotilla on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which is deemed the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Following the intercepts, Israeli police shared a video showcasing about 600 officers registering the detained activists ahead of their expected deportations. The response to the operation was significant, with thousands of people rallying in major cities, including protests in Italy that led to a one-day general strike called by the country’s largest union. While many demonstrations were peaceful, clashes erupted in cities such as Paris and Barcelona, where pro-Palestinian protestors faced off against police.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry asserted that various countries had alternative means to deliver humanitarian aid, dismissing the flotilla as unnecessary. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the interception, claiming it thwarted a campaign aimed at delegitimizing Israel. Reports indicated that at least 41 of the boats were either intercepted or presumed intercepted during the night operation, with authorities stating one boat remained at a distance.
This flotilla comes amid escalating criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian casualties since the onset of hostilities following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The ongoing blockade imposed by Israel has faced accusations of constituting collective punishment against the Palestinian population, a point of contention frequently debated on international platforms.
Among the detained were high-profile figures such as environmental activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. The Israeli government declared that the activists were safe and in good health, preparing for their transfer to Israel for deportation. The flotilla had maintained a live stream of its journey, but most connections were disrupted once the boarding began in international waters.
Strong international reactions followed the interception, with countries like Turkey, Colombia, and Pakistan condemning the actions as illegal and characterizing it as state aggression. Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans to expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation in Colombia and terminate a trade agreement in response to the incident. Meanwhile, European nations, including Italy and France, which had warned the activists against continuing their journey, commenced diplomatic efforts to facilitate the swift return of their citizens.
Overall, the flotilla's interception has amplified discussions around the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the legitimacy of Israel's blockade, as advocates for the Palestinian people continue to assert that humanitarian aid must be allowed across borders under international law. Despite Israel's staunch defense of its military action as necessary for national security, the images of activists attempting to deliver aid highlight the urgent calls for a reassessment of policies affecting civilians in the region.
