Israel Gaza Flotilla Arrests Trigger Worldwide Outrage
Israel Gaza flotilla efforts faced a major blow as Israeli forces dismantled a humanitarian fleet bound for Gaza, detaining nearly 500 activists from 40 countries.
The operation concluded on Friday when naval forces boarded the Polish-flagged Marinette, the last remaining vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla originally comprising 44 boats.
Activists and journalists were among those arrested, including Greta Thunberg and European politicians, sparking worldwide protests and condemnation from rights groups, unions, and international governments.
Reporters Without Borders strongly criticized Israel for detaining more than 20 journalists on board, describing the arrests as an assault on press freedom.
Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed that several foreign citizens have already been deported, while assuring that the hundreds of detained activists are safe and healthy.
The flotilla had aimed to deliver aid supplies to Gaza, making it the largest humanitarian sea mission yet, but Israel insisted on blocking the effort.
Critics argue the interception violates international law, with global unions and human rights experts calling the detentions and seizures unlawful acts against peaceful humanitarian missions.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro cancelled trade ties with Israel and expelled its diplomats, while several European governments urged respect for the detained crew’s rights.
United Nations officials have yet to formally comment, though the UN special rapporteur on Palestine condemned the seizures, describing them as “illegal abductions” carried out in international waters.
