Israeli forces seized a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory. The ship was attempting to deliver desperately needed aid to the territory, which is at risk of famine due to restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Thunberg, along with 11 other activists, was among those detained by Israeli forces in international waters. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition described the incident as “kidnapping,” saying the ship’s unarmed crew was abducted and its life-saving cargo confiscated.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry claimed the voyage was a public relations stunt, but the activists were trying to deliver aid to Gaza, which has been under blockade since 2007. Humanitarian workers warn that the blockade is putting the territory of over 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine unless it is lifted and Israel ends its military offensive.
Greta Thunberg expressed her desire for release from detention and urged her friends and family to pressure the Swedish government to assist her and the other activists. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territories, with efforts to broker another truce stalled for months.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israeli-forces-prevent-aid-boat-carrying-greta-thunberg-122640957