Israeli forces have intercepted 14 ships in a fleet of more than 40 civilian ships under the Global Sumud Flotilla relief initiative en route to Gaza for medicine and food.
The ships had about 500 lawmakers, lawyers and international activists on board, including activist Greta Thunberg. Authentic video shows Greta Thunberg sitting on the deck, surrounded by Israeli soldiers.
According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the passengers were brought to the port in a safe state. However, many people on board confirmed that they were forced to go to Israel, while emphasizing a humanitarian and non-violent mission. The relief agency condemned the trip as a "war crime", accusing the Israeli navy of illegally intercepting and capturing in international waters.
The incident quickly caused a backlash. The Turkish Foreign Ministry called Israel's actions a "terrorism", threatening the lives of civilians. The Istanbul Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into the involvement of 24 Turkish citizens detained on the ship.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro ordered the deportation of the entire Israeli diplomatic mission and canceling the free trade agreement between the two countries after two Colombian citizens were arrested. Mr Petro accused this could be a "new international crime" and demanded their release.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim strongly condemned it, saying that Israel disregarded the rights of Palestinians and "humane treatment" when arresting 8 Malaysian citizens. In Italy, trade unions called for a general strike to express solidarity with the relief train.
Israel insists the train entered the war zone and violated the blockade, and has suggested aid will be transferred through a safe channel. However, according to tracking data, 23 other ships in the convoy continued their journey towards Gaza, despite warnings and intervention from Israel.
