Activist Flotilla, Including Greta Thunberg, Approaches Gaza Amidst Naval Buildup
A flotilla carrying activists and climate campaigner Greta Thunberg is nearing the Gaza coast, prompting a heightened naval presence from multiple nations. The Israeli navy stated its intention to avoid escalation with “friendly navies and those who are on the ships,” as the vessels approach the area subject to an Israeli naval blockade.
The movement of the flotilla, aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, occurs against a backdrop of ongoing conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis. The situation raises concerns about potential confrontations at sea and the delivery of assistance to a population facing critical shortages. The Israeli military is preparing for the arrival of the ships, with local police mobilizing approximately 600 officers at the port of Ashdod, north of Gaza.
BBC Verify has confirmed the presence of the Italian navy frigate Alpino and the Spanish patrol vessel Furor trailing the flotilla, with both now altering course to sail closer to Israel. Military vessels routinely disable their Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals for security, but flight-tracking data indicates a Turkish navy ATR 42-600 reconnaissance plane is operating south of Cyprus, near the flotilla’s location.
An Israeli naval vessel has departed from Ashdod and is expected to intercept the flotilla in the coming hours,according to reports from Israeli news outlet YNet.
