Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla Carrying Greta Thunberg

Interception of Gaza Aid Flotilla

• 🚢 An Israeli Navy operation intercepted a charity vessel, the Meline yacht, which was attempting to reach the Gaza Strip to deliver aid.
• 🇪🇺 The yacht, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carried 12 crew members, including activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Dreamer Hassan.
• ⚓ The vessel had set sail from Sicily on June 6th with the aim of defying Israel's naval blockade on Gaza.

Activist Arrest and Coalition Statement

• 🚨 Dreamer Hassan reported on social media that the crew had been arrested.
• ✊ The Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated that the activists were kidnapped by Israeli forces.
• 🇮🇱 Israeli officials confirmed the boat and its crew are being diverted to an Israeli port before deportation.

Political Statements and Humanitarian Context

• 🗣️ Israel's defense minister ordered the army to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza, issuing a direct warning to Greta Thunberg and her companions.
• ⚠️ The interception occurs amidst growing international condemnation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• 🌍 The UN has warned that a majority of Gaza's residents are facing famine.