Greta Thunberg and a group of activists attempting to sail to Gaza have been intercepted by Israeli authorities, according to the country's foreign ministry. The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which consists of numerous vessels carrying humanitarian aid and volunteers. As of Thursday morning, only one vessel remained, and Israel's foreign ministry stated that if it approached, it would also be stopped from entering what they described as an active combat zone.

The flotilla group reported that approximately 443 volunteers were taken from their vessels, labeling the action an "unlawful abduction" by Israel. On Wednesday afternoon, the foreign ministry announced that several vessels had been safely stopped and their passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port. They confirmed that Thunberg and her companions were safe and healthy.

The group is expected to be taken to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe will commence. In a statement on Instagram, the flotilla's account expressed that their "resolve is only strengthened" following the interception. The flotilla aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, which they claim is under an illegal siege by Israel.

Israeli officials have made it clear that they would not permit the flotilla to breach what they consider a lawful naval blockade. Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the activists were "not interested in aid, but in provocation." The foreign ministry also noted that Israel, along with Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, had offered the flotilla a peaceful means to deliver aid, which they declined.

Prior to the interception, the Israeli Navy had instructed the flotilla to change course, warning them they were approaching an active combat zone. The foreign ministry claimed that documents found in Gaza indicated Hamas's support for the flotilla, asserting a direct link between its leaders and the terrorist organization.

The ministry alleged that the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), a group associated with Hamas, coordinated the flotilla's efforts. They identified several high-ranking Hamas operatives among the flotilla leaders, including individuals based in the United Kingdom and Spain. Additionally, they claimed that many of the ships in the flotilla are owned by the CEO of a Spanish company, Cyber Neptune, who is also linked to the PCPA.

Maria Elena Delia, a spokesperson for the flotilla, dismissed the Israeli claims as propaganda and called for the documents to be independently verified. The PCPA was designated a terrorist organization by Israel in 2021 due to its ties to Hamas, which Israel accuses of using civilian fronts to mobilize actions against it, including violent protests and provocative flotillas.