Activist Ship Reaches Gaza Waters Amid Israeli Interceptions
A ship from the Global Sumud Flotilla reached Gaza's waters while Israeli forces intercepted at least 20 other vessels. Greta Thunberg was among activists shown in detention photos. Legal representatives say this confrontation may unfold differently than previous interceptions.
A vessel from the Global Sumud Flotilla has entered Gaza's territorial waters. The activist ship Mikeno reached the coastal area on Thursday morning according to the organization's tracking map. Israeli naval forces have intercepted at least twenty ships from the convoy since Wednesday evening. Approximately ten more vessels face possible interception. The convoy lost contact with Mikeno after it approached Gaza's coast. Israel's foreign ministry published images showing activists being detained. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg appears in the photos released by Israeli authorities. Israeli officials describe the activists as 'Hamas-Sumud passengers' and say they are being deported back to Europe. The activists are being transported from international waters toward Israel for processing. Legal representatives from Adalah organization are providing assistance to the detained activists. Miriam Azem from Adalah suggested this situation might develop differently than previous interceptions. The ongoing maritime confrontation highlights continuing tensions around Gaza's access routes. Israel maintains a naval blockade around Gaza for security reasons. Activist groups regularly challenge these restrictions to bring attention to Gaza's humanitarian situation.