Israeli forces on Friday intercepted the last remaining boat of an international flotilla that attempted to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of war-torn Gaza, while protests against the operation spread worldwide.
The vessel, named Marinette, was trailing behind the others in the Global Sumud Flotilla and continued sailing toward Gaza early Friday, a day after Israeli forces stormed 41 other boats and detained around 450 activists. Authorities said those detained would be deported.
A livestream from the Marinette captured the moment Israeli troops boarded the ship. The flotilla, carrying only symbolic amounts of aid, marked the largest effort so far to break the blockade on Gaza. Among those arrested earlier were climate activist Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela — the grandson of Nelson Mandela — and several European lawmakers.
Israel had warned in advance that the Marinette would also be stopped if it pressed ahead.
The interception of the flotilla triggered demonstrations across continents. In Europe, tens of thousands rallied Thursday night in Madrid and Barcelona, while protests also erupted in Rome, Paris, and Geneva. Italy’s largest trade union called for a one-day nationwide strike Friday. Demonstrations were also reported in parts of Latin America and Asia.
In Israel’s southern port city of Ashdod, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir confronted detained activists, accusing them of supporting “terrorism” and ridiculing their aid effort. In video footage circulating Friday, the activists are seen sitting cross-legged on the ground as Ben-Gvir delivers his accusations. One activist can be heard shouting back “Free Palestine.”
Hundreds of police officers were deployed in Ashdod during Yom Kippur, one of Judaism’s holiest days, as authorities processed the detainees.
Israel has long claimed that flotilla participants had ties to Hamas, but has provided little evidence. Activists from more than 40 countries have rejected those allegations.