Israeli forces have intercepted the majority of the activist flotilla boats, which were set to reach Gaza, detaining many of the protesters aiming to provide aid to the enclave. The Global Sumud Flotilla, including prominent figure Greta Thunberg, was halted, as Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the conclusion of the operation. Tragic events unfolded as Israeli strikes and gunfire caused the death of at least 41 Palestinians in Gaza, while Hamas deliberated on responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace proposal.
The proposal demands that Hamas release all 48 hostages, relinquish power, and disarm in exchange for the freedom of numerous Palestinian prisoners and cessation of hostilities. Notably, there is no provision for Palestinian statehood in the agreement endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Initially consisting of over 40 boats with nearly 450 activists, the flotilla carried a symbolic amount of humanitarian assistance for Gaza, with the overarching objective of challenging Israel’s blockade and stopping the ongoing persecution of the Palestinian populace.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry labeled the flotilla a “provocation,” pointing out that alternative channels were available for delivering the aid onboard. Organizers reported that approximately 39 boats were intercepted or presumed intercepted during the Israeli operation.
Subsequently, Israeli authorities indicated that only one boat remained at a distance and would be intercepted. The conflict initiated on October 7, 2023, by a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel resulted in widespread casualties and abductions. Presently, 48 hostages are still held in Gaza, with an estimated 20 individuals presumed alive. The relentless Israeli offensive has tragically claimed the lives of over 66,000 Palestinians, as per Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israeli forces apprehended numerous individuals, including Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan, from the flotilla. The humanitarian crisis prompted around 400,000 Palestinians to flee famine-stricken Gaza City following an Israeli offensive the previous month.
On the morning of the incident, smoke billowed in northern Gaza, prompting a mass exodus of residents towards the southern regions.