Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded Israel’s naval forces on Thursday for their interception of an aid flotilla en route to Gaza. Netanyahu praised the navy’s actions, stating that the soldiers and commanders executed their mission professionally and efficiently. He emphasized that their actions prevented numerous vessels from entering the conflict zone and countered attempts to delegitimize Israel. The Global Samud Flotilla, comprising 45 vessels and carrying various individuals, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, began its journey last month with the intention of reaching Gaza. The Israeli Navy had been intercepting the vessels since Wednesday, warning activists against entering the designated waters. Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the flotilla’s attempts to enter the combat zone and breach the naval blockade had been thwarted. The ministry stated that one final vessel was still at a distance and would also be prevented from entering. According to Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, 39 of the 45 ships were intercepted and were headed towards Ashdod. Gerapetritis reported that all passengers were in good health and that no violence was used. Greek organizers of the flotilla announced that 11 Greek citizens on board had initiated a hunger strike to protest their detention by Israeli authorities. Israel indicated that the activists would be deported to Europe, without specifying the destination country. The Israeli Foreign Minister shared on ‘X’ that the Hamas-Sumud passengers were safely and peacefully making their way to Israel for deportation to Europe, along with pictures of Greta Thunberg and other activists. Earlier, Israeli forces had intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining several activists, including Greta Thunberg. The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video showing an Israeli soldier returning Thunberg’s belongings and confirmed that she and the other activists were safe and healthy. Out of 47 ships, Israeli troops had boarded six ships in the convoy and detained over 150 activists from 37 different countries. The ministry posted a video stating that the passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port and that Greta and her companions were safe.
