Greta Thunberg Among Activists Detained After Aid Boat Intercepted En Route to Gaza

A humanitarian aid vessel headed for Gaza carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others was intercepted by Israeli forces on Monday and escorted to the port of Ashdod, where all passengers were detained.

Image Source: LalSharif on X

The boat, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's mission to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, was halted in international waters before being redirected to Israel. The Foreign Ministry later shared a photo of Thunberg disembarking at the port.

All 12 activists were undergoing medical evaluations and were expected to be held in a detention facility in Ramle prior to deportation, according to the legal advocacy group Adalah, which is representing them.

The flotilla's goal was to highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 2 million residents face extreme food shortages and limited access to medical aid amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Organizers accused Israeli forces of forcefully boarding the unarmed civilian vessel and seizing its cargo, which reportedly included baby formula, food, and medical supplies. In a statement, the coalition said, “The crew was abducted, the ship unlawfully seized, and critical humanitarian aid confiscated.”

Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, citing security concerns. The restrictions have been further tightened since the outbreak of the current war with Hamas, which has drawn international concern over the escalating humanitarian toll.