The Israeli navy carried out a large operation against the global “Sumud Flotilla” heading to Gaza, stopping 42 boats and arresting more than 450 activists on board.
According to the flotilla organizers, those detained include former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and Nkosi Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela.
Israeli forces cut off the boats’ communication systems and towed them to Ashdod port. Officials are now preparing to deport many of the activists back to Europe. Reports suggest that one vessel, “Marinet,” is still en route to Gaza, while another, “Makino,” has already entered Gazan waters.
Witnesses said Israeli troops used water cannons during the raid and sent dozens of human rights defenders to jails, including 32 journalists.
The raid sparked protests around the world. Demonstrations broke out in Europe, South America, and the Middle East, blocking traffic in major cities. Colombia expelled an Israeli diplomat, while Spain and Belgium summoned Israeli ambassadors to lodge strong protests. Turkey denounced the raid as “piracy and terrorism.”
The United Nations, Amnesty International, and several world leaders condemned the action as “illegal” and demanded the immediate release of those detained.
The aid convoy left Spain on August 31 with boats from several countries joining along the way. The Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla about 70 nautical miles from Gaza.
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