Thunberg Detained as Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Ship
Climate Activist Among Passengers Held Following Naval Confrontation
Israeli authorities have detained passengers aboard a Gaza-bound vessel, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg, following its interception in the Mediterranean Sea. The incident raises fresh concerns about the ongoing blockade of Gaza and international efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance.
Passengers Detained, Facing Deportation
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that those taken into custody from the ship, named the Madleen, are being transferred to Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv for deportation proceedings. Officials stated that passengers are expected to depart for their home countries within hours.
According to the ministry, individuals who decline to leave Israel voluntarily may be subject to legal action to enforce their removal. It remains unclear if any passengers have refused to cooperate with deportation orders.
🇮🇱’s policy remains consistent: We will continue to prevent Hamas from building up military capabilities by sea. The ship, which was headed to Gaza, was intercepted & its passengers are being processed for deportation. https://t.co/wJqJq9wJ9w
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 4, 2024
The Madleen was operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group dedicated to challenging Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza through shipments of humanitarian aid. The vessel had departed from Sicily earlier this month.
Escalating Tensions and Blockade Concerns
Israel maintains the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza. However, critics argue the blockade collectively punishes the civilian population and restricts access to essential supplies. According to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), approximately 80% of Gaza’s population relies on humanitarian assistance. UNRWA Gaza
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the interception, asserting that its activists were “kidnapped” by Israeli forces. Representatives of the coalition have not yet issued a response to requests for comment regarding the current deportation proceedings.
Israel had previously declared its intention to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza, stating it would employ all necessary measures to enforce the blockade. The interception occurred on Monday, prompting immediate international attention.
The situation remains fluid as authorities process the detained passengers. The incident is likely to further intensify scrutiny of Israel’s policies towards Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis within the enclave.