Israel intercepts Gaza flotilla, Greta Thunberg among detainees

Israeli naval forces intercepted a fleet of vessels attempting to reach Gaza last week, detaining more than 450 people including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and deporting hundreds in subsequent days, officials and participants said. The operation, carried out as the convoy neared Gaza in international waters between Oct. 1 and Oct. 3, led to diplomatic protests, allegations of mistreatment by detainees and denials from Israeli authorities.

Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said nearly 50 boats carrying activists and symbolic amounts of humanitarian aid had sailed from Europe to challenge Israel's maritime blockade and deliver supplies to the besieged enclave. Israeli officials said forces intercepted the vessels after warnings that the convoy was approaching an active combat zone and offered to transfer aid through other channels. Activists said multiple boats were boarded about 70 nautical miles from Gaza and were escorted to the Israeli port of Ashdod before passengers were taken into custody.

Those detained included politicians, lawmakers and campaigners. Israel said on Monday it had deported 171 detainees to Greece and Slovakia, bringing the total deported...