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Topics: Greta Thunberg, Israel, Gaza, News, World News
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Madison Burgess
Topics: Greta Thunberg, Israel, Gaza, News, World News
Israel has intercepted Greta Thunberg's Gaza-bound flotilla and has detained dozens of people, including the Swedish activist, who claims to have been abducted.
Activists have today (October 2) said at least 20 of the boats that make up the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is aiming to reach Gaza through the Mediterranean, have been intercepted by the Israeli military.
As per PA, some of the boats are only a few miles from the Palestinian strip, with a tracker showing one boat has passed into the area’s waters.
In a pre-recorded video, Thunberg, who was detained yesterday evening (October 1), said: "If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces."
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She added: “Our humanitarian mission was nonviolent and abiding by international law. Please tell my government to demand my and the others’ immediate release.”
The flotilla, comprised of 43 boats and 500 activists, is carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
It began its journey from the Spanish port of Barcelona a month ago, and had planned to reach the shores of Gaza by this morning.
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This is the organisation's third attempt to bring aid to Gaza by using small boats - in June, Thunberg claimed to have been 'kidnapped' by Israel when attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, and in September, a similar 52-boat flotilla was intercepted by Israel’s military.
As per the BBC, Israel's Foreign Ministry said the flotilla had been 'safely stopped' and the activists onboard were being transferred to an Israeli port to be deported.
"Greta and her friends are safe and healthy," a spokesperson added, according to Sky News.
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Meanwhile, a video from the Israeli foreign ministry, verified by Reuters, shows Thunberg sitting on a deck surrounded by soldiers.
The Global Sumud Flotilla's social media page wrote on their Instagram last night: "Israeli naval forces illegally intercepted and boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla’s vessel Alma along with other boats in international waters.
"Live-streams and communications have been cut. The status of participants and crew remains unconfirmed.
"This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their immediate safety and release."
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The UK Foreign Office said it expected the situation to be resolved safely and according to international law, as well as calling for the aid on board to reach Gaza.
A spokesperson said: “We are very concerned about the situation with the Sumud flotilla, we are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved, and we have been in contact with the Israeli authorities to make clear that we expect the situation to be resolved safely, in line with international law and with due respect for the rights of all those on board.
“The aid carried by the flotilla should be turned over to humanitarian organisations on the ground to be delivered safely into Gaza.”
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The Guardian has reported that only four vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla are believed to be still sailing, according to the live tracker.