Video footage raising questions shows Gaza flotilla activists detained Thursday morning, including Greta Thunberg, relaxing aboard an Israeli naval vessel on their way to Israel—even enjoying acrobatic exercises. This despite statements from various IDF officials that the approach to this flotilla would be different and tougher, with “no more sandwiches.”
175 activists were arrested this morning and are being transferred to Israel, and 21 vessels were disabled. Some of the hostile Hamas-backed boats tried to block a Zim shipping vessel on its way to Israel.
1+The organizers claim Israeli military speedboats surrounded the flotilla vessels and identified themselves as “Israel.” According to the report, forces aimed lasers and weapons at the boats. The organizers further claim forces ordered passengers to move to the front of the boats and get down on their hands and knees. Communication between the boats was reportedly disrupted, with a collapse of communication systems. Following the events, a distress call was sent from the vessels at sea.
Yesterday, Channel 14’s Military and Security Correspondent, Hallel Bitton-Rosen, reported that security assessments say Hamas is behind the flotilla. Concerns were also reported about the arrival of participants with potential security risk, including from ships from Turkey. Meanwhile, American officials worked on the diplomatic level trying to prevent the flotilla’s departure. According to estimates, between 900 and 1,000 participants planned to take part.
1+He added that among IDF command officials, the Israeli approach this time was supposed to be different and tougher: “There won’t be sandwiches here, there won’t be smiles, there won’t be waving at Greta to move to the boat—this is a different event. If necessary, instead of hugs there will be punches, and if needed we’ll also use live fire. No soldier will be endangered for nice pictures in the world, but this is a serious flotilla, between 900 and 1,000 anti-Semites.”
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed, “175 activists from more than 20 boats of the condom flotilla are now making their way peacefully to Israel.”