Tel Aviv, Oct 2 (V7N) – Israeli forces have detained Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg along with several other passengers from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed early Thursday that the detainees were being escorted to the port of Ashdod following their arrest at sea during the pre-dawn hours.

In footage released by the Foreign Ministry, an Israeli soldier is seen handling Thunberg’s belongings after taking her into custody. Officials stated that several ships from the flotilla have already been seized, with their passengers transported to Israeli ports. Authorities emphasized that Thunberg and her fellow activists are “safe and in good health.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla, composed of multiple aid vessels, set sail with the aim of delivering urgently needed food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Organizers described the mission as a peaceful humanitarian effort to challenge Israel’s longstanding blockade of Gaza, which has drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and international organizations.

Israeli authorities maintain that the naval blockade is a security measure intended to prevent weapons smuggling to militant groups. The interception of the flotilla is the latest in a series of confrontations between pro-Palestinian activists and the Israeli military. The most infamous incident occurred in 2010 when Israeli commandos stormed the Mavi Marmara, resulting in the deaths of nine activists and sparking international condemnation.

Thunberg, known globally for her environmental activism and advocacy for climate justice, had joined the flotilla to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Her participation drew international attention to the convoy, with many rights groups praising the initiative as an act of global solidarity.

The Gaza Strip remains under severe restrictions, with aid agencies warning of acute shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross have repeatedly called for unrestricted humanitarian access to the enclave, citing the urgent need to prevent famine and alleviate civilian suffering.

The detention of Thunberg and other activists is expected to intensify international scrutiny on Israel’s blockade policy and raise further debate over humanitarian access to Gaza.

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