Israel intercepts 39 aid boats heading for Gaza, organisers say, sparking criticism

A picture posted by the Israeli foreign ministry showing members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, after Israeli forces boarded at least 13 boats.

Israeli forces have intercepted 39 boats carrying aid and foreign activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, to Gaza, leaving only one vessel still sailing towards the Palestinian enclave, the flotilla organisers said on Thursday.

Cameras broadcasting live feeds from the boats, verified by Reuters, showed Israeli soldiers sporting helmets and night vision goggles boarding the ships, while passengers huddled together in life vests with their hands up.