Greta Thunberg 'intercepted and kidnapped' by Israel on Gaza-bound flotilla
The Freedom flotilla were delivering aid to Gaza when it was intercepted by Israeli forces
Israeli forces have reportedly stopped and detained a Gaza-bound ship which includes environmental activist Greta Thunberg among its crew.
The vessel Madleen, part of the 'Freedom flotilla' delivering aid to Gaza, was encircled by several Israeli boats, according to reports.
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The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which had organised the voyage, claimed the activists were later "kidnapped by Israeli forces" while trying to deliver desperately needed aid to the territory. They say they had lost contact with their crew.
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Greta Thunberg has made claims on X that her crew has been "intercepted and kidnapped" by "Israeli occupation forces", urging her followers to demand Israel release the flotilla, reports the Express.
Greta, a 22-year-old activist from Sweden, said in a pre-recorded video posted on X: "We have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel.
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"I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible."
The Israel Foreign Ministry confirmed authorities took the vessel to the port of Ashdod, a city in the south of the country.
It posted an update from its X account stating that it expected the crew of the flotilla to be returned to their home nations.
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"The 'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities' is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries," they said.
"There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip - they do not involve Instagram selfies."
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They later added: "All the passengers of the âselfie yachtâ are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over."
The mission of the flotilla has garnered global interest, particularly due to Thunberg's presence on board.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned Israel seizing the Freedom Flotilla ship and its crew.
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"We strongly condemn the cowardly and illegal Israeli attack on the Madleenâs as it approached Gaza with desperately-need humanitarian supplies," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.
Mr Awad called on the Israeli government to immediately release the shipâs crew.
âWe applaud Greta Thunberg and the other activists of the Madleen who bravely risked their safety and freedom to help the starving people of Gaza,â he said.
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