Israeli Forces Intercept Global Flotilla to Gaza Amid Protests

Jerusalem, Oct 3 (AP) Israeli forces intercepted the last boat of an international flotilla aiming to breach Israel's sea blockade of Gaza on Friday, as global protests erupted against Israel's actions in Gaza and the detention of around 450 activists on the vessels.

A far-right Israeli minister confronted the detained activists, deriding their aid initiative and accusing them of supporting “terrorism” in a widely circulated video.

The last boat, named Marinette, had lagged behind the other boats and continued its voyage towards the Palestinian territory on Friday morning, a day after the Israeli navy boarded 41 other boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla and detained the activists, who are on course to be deported.

A livestream from the Marinette captured the moment Israeli troops boarded the vessel. The flotilla, carrying a symbolic consignment of humanitarian aid to Gaza, represented the most significant attempt to date to challenge Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory.

Israel began its interceptions on Wednesday night, continuing through Thursday, stopping boat after boat off Gaza's shore and detaining activists, including Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela, and several European lawmakers.

Israeli authorities had previously warned that they would halt the Marinette if it persisted in its mission.

Protests Across the Globe

The interception of the flotilla and subsequent arrest of activists ignited demonstrations across continents, from Latin America to Asia.

On Thursday night, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Spain's major cities, Madrid and Barcelona. Protests also erupted in Rome, Paris, and Geneva, denouncing both the interceptions and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Italy's largest union called for a nationwide one-day general strike on Friday in response.

A Far-Right Minister Confronts the Activists

In Ashdod, a southern port city in Israel, the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was recorded visiting the site where the detained activists were being processed for deportation.

He accused the flotilla participants, hailing from over 40 countries, of endorsing “terrorism,” while mocking their humanitarian aid efforts aboard one of the seized boats.

In the footage, activists are seated cross-legged on the floor as Ben-Gvir stands delivering his accusations. A voice can be heard shouting “Free Palestine,” though the footage does not clearly indicate who said it.

Hundreds of police officers were stationed in Ashdod during Yom Kippur, one of Judaism’s holiest days, to manage the activists' detentions. The flotilla has faced consistent criticism from Israel, which claims some members are linked to Hamas, though evidence has been sparse. Activists have strongly denied these claims.

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