Greta Thunberg has been detained after the Israeli military (IDF) intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla as it approached Gaza‘s coast on Wednesday evening.
A spokesperson for the flotilla told Newsweek that “more than 90 participants, including Greta, have been abducted by the Israeli military forces.” None of the detained activists has been released, and no information has been given about any potential charges, they added.
The IDF said in a statement on X that the flotilla had been “safely stopped” and its passengers, including Thunberg, were being transferred to an Israeli port. “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy,” it added in a post on X, sharing a clip of Thunberg after she was removed from the ship.
Newsweek has reached out to the IDF via email for comment.
Why It Matters
International aid agencies have warned that conditions in Gaza have become catastrophic, as the war approaches its third year. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has declared a famine in Gaza City, while fuel and medical shortages have left civilians in dire need.
Thunberg, who has accused Israel of “systematically starving and bombing millions of people aiming to erase an entire population,” has joined other activists aboard flotillas to try and deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel has vowed to block all flotillas, arguing that aid can be delivered through Israeli ports under inspection.
What To Know
Thunberg was on the Alma aid vessel, one of six ships that has been intercepted by Israel. The others are Dier Yassine, Huga, Spectre, Adara, and Sirius.
“The rest of the ships are all still bound for Gaza, undeterred,” the flotilla spokesperson told Newsweek.
The flotilla, which featured around 50 boats carrying more than 500 activists from around the globe, including Thunberg and several Americans, began its journey in Spain on September 1. It set sail across the Mediterranean Sea with the aim of bringing aid to Gaza.
On October 1, the flotilla was around 60 miles from the coast of Gaza, when the ships were intercepted by the Israeli military.
Global Sumud Flotilla has accused Israel of targeting several of its ships with “water cannons” and of ramming others as the military intercepted the vessels. No injuries were reported.
The interception of the flotilla has sparked global outrage, with protests erupting in Germany and Italy, with demonstrators taking to the streets with “Free Palestine” banners.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced all Israeli diplomats in Colombia will be leaving the country following the blocking of the flotilla, while the Spanish foreign ministry said it was “fully mobilized to provide all diplomatic and consular protection to our citizens”.
On Monday, nearly 20 Democratic members of Congress called on President Donald Trump to “do everything in your power to ensure the safety of the flotilla and its unarmed, civilian passengers” while also addressing the “issue at the root of the voyage.”
Spain and Italy also said they would send navy ships to the area of the flotilla after activists said they were attacked by drones near Greece, reported the Associated Press. Although some vessels were damaged, no injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, Israel has vowed to block the flotilla from reaching Gaza, arguing that an attempt to bypass the naval blockade violates international law and could support Hamas.
What People Are Saying
Global Sumud Flotilla said in a post on Instagram on Wednesday, “The Israeli occupation navy forces are using active agression on the Global Sumud Flotilla. Florida vessel has been deliberately rammed at sea. Yulara, Meteque and others have been targeted with water cannons. These illegal attacks on unarmed humanitarian ships is a war crime. All passengers on board are unharmed.”
Greta Thunberg said in a social media post last month: “Israel is systematically starving and bombing millions of people aiming to erase an entire population as a continuation of decades of occupation, apartheid and deadly oppression. Under international law states have legal obligations to act to stop this, end their complicity and apply real pressure. They are not just completely failing to live up to those obligations, but actively choosing not to. That is why we are sailing, to step up when our racist people in power fail to do so. We are sailing to challenge structures unable to prevent these war crimes from happening, not just in Gaza but all over the world. We are sailing for a world free of all kinds of racism and oppression.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said in a post on X, “If the information is true, this is a new international crime by Netanyahu. The foreign ministry should make all the respective demands, including within the Israeli justice system. I invite international attorneys to support Colombia alongside our attorneys. The entire diplomatic delegation from Israel is leaving Colombia.”
The group of Democratic senators wrote in their letter: “The Global Sumud Flotilla is currently sailing across the Mediterranean Sea to bring vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, but has reportedly faced attacks by drones and other hostile actions. U.S. citizens, including residents of Maryland, Massachusetts, and Oregon, are aboard these ships. Under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, they warrant protection.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X: “This flotilla, organized by Hamas, is intended to serve Hamas. Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade. If the flotilla participants’ genuine wish is to deliver humanitarian aid rather than serve Hamas, Israel calls on the vessels to dock at the Ashkelon Marina and unload the aid there, from where it will be transferred promptly in a coordinated manner to the Gaza Strip. Israel urges the participants not to break the law and to accept Israel’s proposal for a peaceful transfer of any aid they might have.”
What Happens Next
It is not yet clear when the detained activists will be released, or what, if any, charges they may face.
