Greta Thunberg among activists detained as Israel intercepts Gaza flotilla | LiveNOW from FOX

Israeli forces intercepted an international flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, detaining dozens of activists. The nearly 50-boat mission, aiming to break the blockade, reported being targeted by drones and jamming communications. While one boat, the Marinette, continued sailing, the majority were stopped in international waters, with some allegedly rammed or hit by water cannons.

The intercepted vessels carried approximately 500 activists from 47 countries. This action occurred amidst ongoing international diplomatic efforts regarding the conflict, including peace proposals and discussions at the United Nations. Protests in solidarity with the flotilla and detained activists have been observed in cities like Madrid, Rome, and Cyprus.

The blockade of Gaza, in place for 18 years, is cited by organizers as the reason for the flotilla's mission, while Israel states it's for security. Past attempts to breach the blockade have resulted in confrontations, including a 2010 raid where nine people were killed. The situation highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with widespread destruction and famine declared in some areas.

• An international flotilla of nearly 50 boats carrying approximately 500 activists from 47 countries was intercepted by Israeli forces.
• The flotilla aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for 18 years.
• Activists reported being targeted by drones and communications jamming during their journey.
• Dozens of activists were detained, and some vessels were allegedly rammed or hit by water cannons.
• Protests in solidarity with the flotilla and detained activists occurred in Madrid, Rome, and Cyprus.

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Interception of the Flotilla [0:43]

• Israeli Navy forces approached and intercepted vessels from an international flotilla.
• The flotilla's stated purpose was to deliver aid to Gaza and break the "illegal siege."
• Approximately 50 boats with around 500 activists from 47 countries participated in the flotilla.
• The group reported that several of their boats were intercepted overnight in international waters.
• Allegations include Israeli forces ramming some boats and using water cannons on others.
• Troops boarded vessels to take control after they were stopped.
• One live image showed the "Marinette," described as the final boat in the flotilla, still sailing after others were intercepted.
• Reports indicated that 44 vessels were still sailing at the time of interception, with some boats having turned back due to technical problems.

The interception of the flotilla marked tense moments at sea as Israeli naval forces confronted international vessels attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The group identified their mission as humanitarian and nonviolent, seeking to break the blockade. Activists reported experiencing aggressive tactics, including ramming and water cannons, as their boats were boarded and taken under control.

Tense moments at sea as Israel's Navy faces off with an international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza.

Activist Detentions and Reactions [1:18]

• Israel's foreign ministry confirmed taking control of several vessels.
• A video was posted on X showing activist Greta Thunberg.
• Thunberg was among 500 activists traveling with the flotilla.
• According to Israel, she and other activists are safe and have been taken to an Israeli port.
• The activists were described as presenting no threat or danger to Israel.
• EU leaders had urged Israel not to threaten the flotilla, which Israel's government called a provocation.
• Some officials accused flotilla members of being linked to Hamas, a claim strongly rejected by activists and supporters.
• Activists stated the mission wouldn't be necessary if Israel allowed aid entry.

The confirmation of vessel control by Israel included the mention of activist Greta Thunberg, who was among the 500 participants. Israel reported the activists were safe and transported to an Israeli port, while downplaying any threat they posed. International entities, including EU leaders, had previously called for restraint, and despite accusations of Hamas links, activists maintained their mission was humanitarian.

They present no threat nor danger to Israel.

Protests and International Response [2:36]

• Live images showed protests in Madrid, Spain, and Rome, Italy, related to the flotilla's interception.
• Protesters took to the streets due to actions that had occurred over several hours.
• The flotilla reported facing several issues on its way to Gaza to break the blockade and bring humanitarian aid.
• Drone attacks were reported by organizers, who stated the flotilla was targeted three times by drones.
• Two drone incidents occurred in Tunisia on September 8th and 9th, and one while sailing south of Greece the previous week.
• In the last drone attack, the flotilla reported being targeted at night by unidentified drones and communications jamming.
• Activists reported hearing at least 13 explosions on and around several boats, with some boats sustaining damage, though no casualties were reported.
• This was not the first time activists attempting to break Israel's Gaza blockade had come under attack, with a vessel reporting a drone attack in May in international waters off Malta.
• An overland convoy attempting to reach the border was blocked by security forces aligned with Egypt in eastern Libya.
• In 2010, Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, a boat in an aid flotilla, resulting in the deaths of nine Turkish citizens and one Turkish American.
• The last time an activist boat successfully reached Gaza was in 2008.
• Protests were also noted in Cyprus, where one vessel arrived at a port after avoiding interception.

The situation sparked protests in multiple European cities, including Madrid, Rome, and Cyprus, as people demonstrated against the interception and detainment of activists. The flotilla's journey was fraught with danger, including reported drone attacks and communications jamming, with damage sustained by some vessels. Past incidents, such as the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, underscore the historical challenges faced by aid missions seeking to breach the Gaza blockade.

Activists said at least 13 explosions were heard on and around several flotilla boats.

Broader Conflict Context and UN Involvement [4:27]

• The current conflict began on October 7th, 2023, with Hamas-led militants storming into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage.
• Israel states its offensive aims to pressure Hamas to surrender and return remaining hostages, approximately 48 of whom Israel believes are still alive.
• The Israeli offensive has reportedly killed at least 66,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
• The Gaza Health Ministry, part of the Hamas government, estimates about half of the casualties were women and children.
• UN agencies and independent experts view the ministry's figures as reliable estimates of wartime deaths.
• The United Nations General Assembly convened recently in New York City, with global leaders discussing the war in Gaza.
• Remarks were made by the Palestinian president, US President Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly.
• President Trump met with the Israeli Prime Minister to discuss steps going forward.
• Several Western countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer, have recognized a Palestinian state.
• Protesters continued to take to the streets, with many people closely monitoring the situation.

The context of the ongoing conflict, which began in October 2023, was provided, detailing the initial Hamas attack and Israel's subsequent offensive. The significant casualty figures reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, which is viewed as reliable by international bodies, were highlighted. International diplomatic efforts were also mentioned, including discussions at the UN General Assembly and meetings between leaders, alongside the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations.

The Israeli offensive has killed at least 66,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Peace Negotiations and Hamas Response [8:51]

• The White House stated President Trump has a "red line" for deciding if Hamas is serious about a peace plan, but the president has not disclosed it.
• UN Ambassador Mike Pence indicated President Trump is pushing Hamas to sign off on the latest peace proposal.
• The White House expects Hamas to accept the plan for a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East.
• President Trump previously stated he wanted a response from Hamas within three or four days, or he would support Israel's operation in Gaza.
• Special envoy Steve Whit believes things look hopeful due to pressure from Arab states and significant buy-in for the plan, though details need working out.
• Israelis are reportedly losing patience, with time running out for Hamas to sign the agreement.
• A statement emphasized the decision is Hamas's, but it can be done "the easy way or the hard way."
• The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate for displaced Palestinians, with concerns about food, water, and basic living conditions.
• Sensitive negotiations are ongoing, suggesting Hamas might be trying to revise parts of the 20-point plan.

The focus shifted to ongoing peace negotiations, where President Trump is pushing for Hamas to accept a peace proposal, setting a "red line" for their response. Despite a sense of hope due to international pressure and support, details are still being negotiated, and time is running out for Hamas to agree. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, and there are indications that Hamas may be seeking to revise aspects of the proposed plan.

The decision is theirs, but they should know this. It can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way, but it will be done.

Flotilla Details and Blockade Justification [11:37]

• Israeli forces intercepted an international flotilla carrying activists attempting to break Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory and detained dozens of people.
• The Global Summit flotilla was carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid.
• Most vessels were intercepted after communication was lost by Thursday morning, following an operation that began the night before.
• Since setting sail from Spain in early September, participants reported three separate instances of being targeted by drones.
• Spain and Italy sent navies to escort the flotilla for part of its journey but urged activists to turn back.
• Organizers initially stated about 50 vessels with around 500 activists from 47 countries participated.
• Some vessels were forced to turn back due to technical problems, leaving 44 sailing at the time of interception.
• The nearly 2-year Israel-Hamas war has led to a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with much of the territory reduced to rubble.
• Famine has been declared in Gaza City by a leading authority on food crises.
• Activists hope their actions will draw attention to the Palestinians' plight.
• The flotilla is the largest attempt by number of boats to break Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza, which has lasted 18 years.
• Israel states the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas from importing arms.
• Critics consider the blockade to be collective punishment.
• The core vessels set sail from Barcelona, Spain, on September 1st, joined by other boats along the way.
• The flotilla included larger support vessels providing provisions for smaller sailboats.

The comprehensive details of the flotilla's scale, origins, and challenges were reiterated, emphasizing it as the largest attempt to breach the 18-year-old maritime blockade of Gaza. The video highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including declared famine, and presented both Israel's justification for the blockade (preventing arms imports) and critics' view (collective punishment). The journey itself, from setting sail in Spain to facing drone attacks, was detailed.

The flotilla is the largest attempt in terms of the number of boats to break Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza, which has now lasted 18 years, long predating this current war.