Global Sumud Flotilla Intercepted by Israel En Route to Gaza, activists Including Greta Thunberg Onboard
GAZA – Israeli forces intercepted a vessel carrying humanitarian aid and activists toward Gaza Monday, part of a larger effort known as the Global Sumud Flotilla.Among those onboard were prominent figures including climate activist Greta Thunberg and Brazilian activists,aiming to deliver supplies to the besieged territory.The interception occurred amid heightened tensions and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a UN-affiliated group confirmed last month that the population is suffering from famine.
The flotilla’s attempt to reach Gaza comes as international efforts to increase aid delivery face significant obstacles. Israel maintains it is attempting to prevent supplies from reaching Hamas, the Palestinian group with which it is currently engaged in conflict in Gaza. The country argues these supplies could be diverted to support Hamas’s operations. However, the interception has drawn criticism from international observers, particularly regarding the humanitarian implications for Gaza’s civilian population.
Greta Thunberg responded to criticism regarding her participation, telling the BBC on September 28th: “I don’t think anyone risks life for a publicist blow.”
Israel supports an alternative food distribution system, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, but the United Nations has refused to cooperate, citing concerns about its structure and ethical considerations. France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, stated his country worked to ensure ”any possible approach operation [to the flotilla] would occur under the best possible safety conditions.” Italy’s Foreign Minister reported receiving assurances from Israel that its forces would not use violence against the 500 people onboard, including French and Italian politicians.
Despite pressure from Arab and Turkish mediators, a key figure within Hamas indicated the plan will likely be rejected. Together, Israel’s Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, issued a final warning to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in gaza City to evacuate south, claiming those who remain will be considered “terrorists and terror supporters.” The international Committee of the Red Cross has affirmed that, under international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected regardless of whether they evacuate or remain in Gaza City.
