Israel Detains French Activists and Others After Intercepting Gaza Aid Ship

Following the interception of a ship carrying aid to Gaza, Israeli authorities have detained five French activists. The ship, the Madleen, was intercepted in international waters and diverted to Ashdod port. According to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, the activists will be brought before an Israeli judge. One individual has agreed to depart voluntarily, while the remaining activists will be subject to forced expulsion. The Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was among the detained international volunteers. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group behind the aid mission, claims the Israeli military ‘attacked’ the ship. The ship was carrying crucial aid, including baby formula, food, and medical supplies, to Gaza, which is currently under an aid blockade. Activists reported that the ship was targeted with a white paint-like substance, communications jamming, and audio interference.