Israel to Repatriate Detained Flotilla Activists to Europe

Israel has announced that the human rights activists detained while attempting to reach the blockaded Gaza Strip with a global aid flotilla will be sent back to Europe. The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement by the Israeli military.

The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail from Spain last month with the aim of reaching Gaza. Comprising approximately 45 vessels, the convoy includes politicians and human rights activists from around the world who support the Palestinian cause. Among them is the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

One of the flotilla’s primary objectives was to break Israel’s blockade of Palestinian territories, amid warnings from the United Nations that famine conditions are already developing in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing conflict.

Since Wednesday, the Israeli navy has begun intercepting vessels from the flotilla. Authorities issued warnings that these ships were not permitted to enter the blockaded waters. According to the British news agency Reuters, Israel has detained at least 39 vessels so far, including the one carrying Greta Thunberg.

Flotilla tracking data suggests that over 30 out of the 45 vessels have either been detained or are in the process of being intercepted as of Thursday.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the passengers from the Hamas-Sumud vessels are being safely brought to Israeli territory. They also announced that procedures to send them back to Europe will begin shortly. Israel has shared images of Greta Thunberg and other activists, confirming that they are safe and in good health.

Spokesperson Saif Abu Keshek stated that vessels that have not yet been detained remain determined to continue their journey. He emphasised, “They are resolute, highly motivated, and doing everything possible to break the blockade at dawn.”

The organisers have described the detentions as “illegal”, asserting that the Israeli navy intercepted the ships while they were in international waters, which they claim constitutes a violation of international law. Following the interceptions, live broadcasts from several vessels were cut off and communications disrupted.

Israel has shared footage of 22-year-old Greta Thunberg packing her belongings, affirming that she and her companions are safe and in good health. The detainees are being held at an Israeli port facility pending their repatriation to Europe.

Source: AFP