Israeli military forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining climate activist Greta Thunberg and approximately 500 other activists aboard more than 40 civilian boats. The flotilla carried parliamentarians, lawyers and activists from multiple countries seeking to breach Israel's blockade of the territory.
Only the Express reports that around 20 Israeli military vessels conducted the interception 75 miles off the Gaza coast in international waters. Israeli authorities confirmed Thunberg and other activists are "safe and healthy" following their detention.
Mass protests across Italy
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Italy in support of the flotilla, with protests erupting in Rome, Milan, Turin, Genoa, Naples, Pisa and Bologna. In Rome alone, an estimated 10,000 protesters gathered, chanting "Free Palestine" and calling for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's resignation.
Two of Italy's largest unions, CGIL and USB, called a general strike for Friday in response to what CGIL described as "aggression against civilian ships carrying Italian citizens". The USB union announced plans to block the port of Genoa, while Italian dockworkers have spent the past two weeks preventing ships involved in trade with Israel from docking and loading.
Diplomatic crisis unfolds
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled all remaining Israeli diplomats from the country, calling the interception "a new international crime" by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Petro demanded the release of two Colombian women detained as part of the flotilla who were "engaged in human solidarity activities with Palestine".
Turkey's foreign ministry condemned Israel's "attack" on the flotilla as "an act of terror" that endangered innocent civilians. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticised the interception, saying the vessels "carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion".
Mission continues despite interceptions
The Mirror reports that around 30 boats from the flotilla are still continuing their mission toward Gaza despite the Israeli interceptions. Israel's navy had previously warned the flotilla it was approaching an active combat zone and offered to transfer aid through safe channels, denouncing the mission as a stunt.
Ireland's foreign minister called the flotilla a "peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe," with an Irish senator known to be aboard one of the vessels. Spain, Mexico and Brazil also demanded Israel respect the rights of their citizens and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Express notes this follows 15 years of similar flotilla attempts to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza, many of which have been intercepted by Israeli forces.
Sources used: "Guardian", "Independent", "Express", "Mirror"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
