Israeli authorities have announced plans to deport more than 450 international activists who were detained during a recent military operation targeting the Gaza-bound Global Solidarity Flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The flotilla, which included 42 vessels, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces earlier this week. Among those detained were prominent international figures, including former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.
Israeli forces reportedly jammed all communications from the boats during the operation, disabling live feeds and halting contact with the outside world. The seized vessels, including the flotilla s flagship “Alcatala”, are currently being redirected to Ashdod Port, where the detained passengers are being processed for deportation back to their respective countries, primarily in Europe.
Despite the large-scale crackdown, flotilla organizers confirmed that one vessel, “Merinet,” remains active and is continuing its journey toward Gaza. In a separate update, Arab journalist Hassan Masood, reporting from aboard the mission, claimed that another boat named “Makino” had successfully entered Gaza’s territorial waters, though this has not yet been independently verified.
The Israeli government s actions have sparked widespread condemnation and triggered global protests, with demonstrators demanding an end to the blockade on Gaza and criticizing the treatment of peaceful activists.
Despite mounting international pressure, the Israeli Prime Minister has stood firm, defending the blockade and labeling the flotilla a “provocative stunt”. Meanwhile, rights groups argue the activists were engaged in a humanitarian mission aimed at highlighting the plight of civilians in Gaza, who have faced years of siege and economic hardship.
Also Read: One Flotilla boat still sailing toward Gaza despite Israeli crackdown
The incident has reignited debate over the legality of Israel’s blockade and the limits of international solidarity campaigns. With at least one boat still attempting to reach Gaza, the situation remains fluid as the world watches closely.
