Tension on the High Seas: Israeli Navy Intercepts Final Gaza Aid Boat

The Israeli military has intercepted the final boat in an aid flotilla that attempted to breach the blockade on Gaza. The interception occurred on Friday morning, following the navy's capture of the majority of the flotilla's vessels the preceding day. Notably, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was among the 450 activists detained during the operation.

The last remaining boat, named Marinette, was intercepted approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza and directed to Ashdod port in Israel. The Global Sumud Flotilla, the flotilla's organizers, accused Israeli naval forces of intercepting all 42 vessels of the fleet, each carrying humanitarian aid and striving to end what they call Israel's illegal blockade on Gaza.

Israel maintains its blockade is lawful and accuses the flotilla of being a publicity stunt. The Israeli navy reiterated its warning to the flotilla against entering what it described as an active combat zone and offered to transfer the aid through safe channels. The flotilla's voyage marks two years since the latest outbreak of conflict in Gaza, initially sparked by Hamas' attacks in October 7.

(With inputs from agencies.)