Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the country’s naval forces on Thursday for their successful interception of a humanitarian aid flotilla heading towards Gaza. Netanyahu issued a statement praising the soldiers and commanders for their professional and efficient execution of the mission on Yom Kippur. He highlighted that their actions prevented the flotilla from entering the conflict zone and challenged efforts to undermine Israel’s legitimacy. The Global Samud Flotilla, which included 45 vessels and prominent figures such as Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, began its voyage last month, aiming to reach Gaza. Since Wednesday, the Israeli Navy had been intercepting the vessels and warned activists against entering the restricted waters. Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the attempts by the flotilla to enter the active combat zone and breach the naval blockade had been stopped. The ministry added that one remaining vessel would also be prevented from entering. According to Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, 39 of the 45 ships were intercepted, and they were en route to the Israeli port city of Ashdod. Gerapetritis reported that the passengers were in good health and that no violence had been used. The Greek organizers of the flotilla reported that 11 Greek citizens on board had begun a hunger strike to protest their detention by Israeli authorities. Israel announced that the activists would be deported to Europe, without specifying the country of destination. The Israeli Foreign Minister posted on ‘X’ that the Hamas-Sumud passengers were peacefully heading to Israel for deportation to Europe, accompanied by images of Greta Thunberg and other activists. Earlier, Israeli forces had intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on its way to Gaza, detaining numerous activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg. The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video showing an Israeli soldier returning Thunberg’s belongings, while confirming that Greta and her companions were safe and healthy. Israeli troops boarded six ships in the convoy out of a total of 47, detaining over 150 activists from 37 different countries. The ministry posted a video stating that several vessels had already been safely stopped and their passengers transferred to an Israeli port, and that Greta Thunberg and her companions were safe and healthy.
