Gaza aid flotilla live: Israeli forces detain Greta Thunberg after seizing more than a dozen vessels – UK Times

Ewa Jasiewicz, a British-Polish activist and journalist, was on board the 2010 Gaza aid flotilla in which nine activists were killed. As she sails to Gaza for a second time, she told Alex Croft that she fears history may repeat itself.

Reports the Global Sumud Flotilla has been intercepted by Israeli military are “very concerning,” Ireland’s foreign minister Simon Harris has said.

“I am keeping in close contact with my officials who are working on the ground and have also spoken with EU counterparts on the Global Sumud Flotilla,” he wrote in a post on X.

“Tonight’s reports are very concerning. This is a peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe.”

The Israeli military has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on its approach to Gaza on Wednesday evening.

Activists including Greta Thunberg are understood to have been detained after three vessels were stopped by a naval blockade around 70 nautical miles (130km) from the Gaza Strip.

Posting on social media, activists accused Israeli forces of using “water cannons” and “active aggression” against its passengers.

Israel’s foreign ministry said the “sole purpose” of the flotilla was “provocation”, adding Ms Thunberg and other activists were “safe” and being transferred to Israel.

The interception of several vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla has sparked protests across the world on Wednesday evening.

Pictures show demonstrations breaking out in Naples, Rome, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, and Istanbul as protesters took to the streets.

Greta Thunberg is among the activists detained by the Israeli military on Wednesday evening, officials confirmed.

The Swedish campaigner was filmed sat on the floor as she donned her hat and jacket next to an Israeli soldier.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has accused Israel of using “active aggression” against its crew as it confirmed all passengers were unharmed.

In a post on Telegram it wrote: “The Israeli occupation navy forces are using active agression on the Global Sumud Flotilla.

“Florida vessel has been deliberately rammed at sea. Yulara, Meteque and others have been targeted with water cannons.

“These illegal attacks on unarmed humanitarian ships is a war crime.All passengers on board are unharmed.”