Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying around 450 activists including Greta Thunberg, and brought them to Ashdod for processing and deportation.
Countries like South Africa condemned the interception as a violation of international law, highlighting concerns for detained activists, including Mandela’s grandson.
Israeli authorities defended the operation as protecting national security, while legal experts criticized the deportation hearings for lacking due process and raising questions about Gaza’s humanitarian blockade.