The Freedom Flotilla, an aid ship organized by climate activist Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israel.
Thunberg and her fellow passengers boarded the ship in protest of Israel’s occupation of the Gaza Strip, which includes restrictions on receiving humanitarian aid and deadly military presence.
Thunberg's Instagram account uploaded a pre-recorded video aboard the ship, saying, “We have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel. I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”
Israel’s foreign ministry called the voyage a “selfie yacht” full of “celebrities.” In subsequent X posts, they said the passengers were “safe and unharmed,” showing video of Israeli military personnel distributing food and water. They also posted a photo of Thunberg, saying she’s “on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits.”
On Oct. 7, 2023, Israel sealed off aid to Gaza but eased up on restrictions following pressure from other countries. In March, Israel ended the ceasefire and once again blocked all imports and aid. The war has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s population, with over 50,000 Palestinians killed in the war thus far, though some estimates suggest the number is much higher.
