The flotilla carrying aid supplies to Gaza was intercepted by soldiers; Thunberg was also on board

The international Global Sumud fleet, consisting of more than 40 civilian ships and about 500 activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was detained by military units as it approached the Gaza Strip.

According to the organizers, the ships were attacked illegally, some of them were hijacked by soldiers, and communications were cut off.

The fleet's goal was to break through the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, which the activists consider illegal. Israel warned the fleet that it was entering a combat zone and offered to deliver humanitarian aid through legal channels, but the fleet refused.

The fleet had previously been attacked by drones, allegedly with stun grenades. Italy and Greece called on Israel not to harm civilians and asked the flotilla to hand over the aid to the church, but this request was rejected.

Israeli authorities describe the mission as a provocation. It is still unclear whether all ships have been detained and how the passengers are doing.

(reuters, mja)