Jerusalem (AP) – Israeli forces intercepted and detained an aid boat heading to Gaza, which Greta Thunberg and other activists were aboard, aiming to challenge the long-standing blockade of Palestinian territory amid the conflict with Hamas.
The activists sought to protest Israel’s ongoing military efforts in the Gaza Strip, which is considered to be the most destructive conflict since World War II. This blockade affects roughly 2 million Palestinians, severely limiting humanitarian access and increasing the risk of hunger.
The Union of Freedom Fleets, who organized the voyage, reported that activists were “taken by Israeli forces” in their attempt to deliver essential aid to the region.
“The ship was unlawfully boarded, and its unarmed civilian crew was accused. The life-saving cargo included baby formula, food, and medical supplies,” the statement indicated.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the operation as a publicity stunt in a social media post, asserting that “celebrity” “selfie yachts” were safely approaching the Israeli coastline.
Passengers indicated they would return to their home countries, planning to send aid to Gaza through established channels. They distributed sandwiches and water to activists dressed in orange life vests, mistaking them for Israeli soldiers.
A Week’s Voyage
Thunberg, a climate activist, was among 12 activists aboard a boat departing from Sicily a week prior. The vessel had stopped on Thursday to rescue four migrants who had jumped overboard to avoid detention by the Libyan coast guard.
“I urge all my friends, family, and peers to pressure the Swedish government to secure my release and that of others as soon as possible,” Thunberg stated in a pre-recorded message released following the ship’s interception.
Lima Hassan, a French member of the Palestinian European Parliament, was also one of the activists onboard. She is banned from entering Israel due to her opposition to Israeli policies regarding Palestinians.
After a 2.5-month total lockdown aimed at pressuring Hamas, Israel began allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month. However, humanitarian workers and experts have warned of hunger unless the blockade is lifted and military assaults cease.
Last month’s attempt by the Freedom Fleet to reach Gaza also failed; another vessel from the group was attacked by two drones while navigating international waters off the coast of Malta. The group criticized Israel for the attack that damaged the ship’s bow.
18 Years of Lockdown
Since Hamas took control in 2007, Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of lockdown on Gaza. Israel contends that the blockade is essential to prevent Hamas from acquiring weapons, while critics argue it amounts to collective punishment for the people of Gaza.
Israel restricted aid to Gaza following a Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, but later eased restrictions under U.S. pressure. Earlier in March, shortly after Israel ended the ceasefire with Hamas, the nation once again cut off all imports, including food, fuel, and medicine.
On October 7, Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages, more than half of whom have been released during ceasefire negotiations or other arrangements. Hamas still holds 55 hostages, many of whom are believed to be deceased.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, Israel’s military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, though it remains unclear how many of these individuals were civilians versus combatants.
The conflict has devastated large areas of Gaza, displacing about 90% of the population, who are almost entirely reliant on international aid.
Efforts to mediate another truce have been stalled for months. Hamas claims that in exchange for a prolonged ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, the remaining hostages will be released, while Israel insists it will continue its military campaign until all prisoners are freed and Hamas is either defeated or disarmed.
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Source: apnews.com