Despite Israeli Blockade, 30 Aid Ships Head Towards Gaza
In defiance of Israeli obstruction, a fleet of over 30 international humanitarian aid ships—part of the “Global Sumud Flotilla”—continues its course toward the Gaza Strip. According to a message shared via Telegram, the flotilla is now just 85 kilometers away from the besieged coastal enclave.
Greta Thunberg Reportedly Detained by Israeli Forces
On the night of Wednesday, October 2, Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea when it was about 129 kilometers from Gaza. At least 13 vessels were stopped, and several human rights activists onboard were reportedly detained—including prominent Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
In an official statement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said,
“Several vessels of the Hamas-linked Sumud Flotilla were safely intercepted. Their passengers are being transported to an Israeli port. Greta Thunberg and her companions are safe and in good health.”
Participants from 44 Countries Onboard the Humanitarian Mission
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a civilian-led humanitarian initiative aimed at delivering aid to Gaza via sea. The flotilla comprises over 40 vessels carrying more than 500 participants from 44 countries, including:
- Lawyers
- Elected officials
- Doctors
- Journalists
- Human rights defenders
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Mission Aims to Deliver Aid
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to the deaths of over 66,000 Palestinians, according to various human rights organizations. The ongoing blockade has further intensified the humanitarian catastrophe, creating severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The region’s population continues to face extreme hunger and poverty.
The first group of the flotilla set sail from Barcelona, Spain, on August 31. Additional vessels joined later from Tunisia and Sicily, Italy. If not obstructed, the flotilla was expected to reach Gaza’s coast by Thursday morning (local time).
Israel Alleges Hamas Links but Offers No Evidence
Israel has consistently claimed that the flotilla has links to Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza. However, the government has yet to provide any concrete evidence to support this assertion.
On the other hand, the organizers and participants of the flotilla emphasize that this is a purely humanitarian effort, with the sole aim of delivering aid to the war-affected population in Gaza.
