Videos of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir calling captured Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) activists “terrorists” have been widely circulated on social media.
The flotilla of more than 40 boats, carrying humanitarian aid and sailing in international waters toward Gaza, was intercepted by Israeli forces.
Among those detained are former Member of Parliament and former President Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela and Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
CAPTURED ACTIVISTS CHANT “FREE PALESTINE!”
Speaking after the interceptions, Ben Gvir said the activists were “supporters of murderers,” claiming the ships carried “one box of baby formula” while being “a mess.”
He added, “They came in support of Gaza, for the terrorists. They are terrorists.”
Despite his remarks, videos show GSF activists in detention shouting “Free Palestine!”
According to Flotilla Tracker, all but one vessel – the Marinette – has been intercepted or presumed captured. The Marinette continues sailing with the stated goal of breaking the blockade and delivering aid, though The Times of Israel reports it too is expected to be intercepted soon.
The publication also noted that activists have undergone “thorough inspection processes” and are now in the custody of Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority and the Israel Prison Service, awaiting deportation.
Governments, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Turkiye, have called for the safety of their citizens on board the flotilla and for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
DIRE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis inside Gaza. According to WHO representative Dr Rik Peeperkorn, over 167,300 people in the war-ravaged area have been injured since October 2023.
Over 5,000 people have faced amputation and other severe injuries to arms, legs and the spinal cord. Out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals, fewer than 14 remain partially functional. An estimated 55,000 pregnant women are trapped in Gaza, with about 130 babies born daily.
