Israel raids Gaza flotilla: What happened and why it matters

ORGANISERS OF FLOTILLA CALL RAID 'ILLEGAL IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS'

- BY STEPHEN N.R.

Israeli naval forces mounted one of their largest interception operations in years late Wednesday, boarding dozens of boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla as it attempted to break the blockade of Gaza.

The flotilla, made up of more than 40 civilian vessels carrying around 500 activists from across the world, had drawn global attention for its size and its symbolism: a direct challenge to Israel's naval cordon around Gaza, in place since 2009.

By yesterday morning, organisers said they had lost contact with 39 boats — many forcibly boarded by Israeli troops, others cut off mid-transmission — while one vessel briefly made it close to Gaza's shoreline before communications went silent. Israel confirmed dozens of detentions, including high-profile figures such as Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.

Streamed live by activists

The operation unfolded in international waters and was streamed live by activists until their signals were jammed. Video clips showed Israeli naval vessels using water cannon and bright searchlights before soldiers climbed aboard. Organisers described the mission as peaceful and humanitarian, carrying only symbolic amounts of food and medicine. Israel said the detainees were safe, in good health, and would be deported.

Here's a breakdown of what happened, why it matters, and how governments and activists around the world have reacted.