Israel plans to detain activist Greta Thunberg and others in “terrorist-level conditions” should their flotilla bound for Gaza violate a restricted military area. Thunberg and other activists have called the effort the “largest solidarity mission” in history, as dozens of ships are slated to join them as part of a protest against Israel’s war in Gaza and ongoing famine.
‘Terrorist-level’ detainment
Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, however, is working on a plan that still needs approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Part of that proposal involves detaining activists in “terrorist-level” conditions in Ktzi’ot and Damon detention centers for females, as reported by Israel Hayom.
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The effort would also include capturing dozens of ships and using them to create a “maritime force for police operations.”
“Following several weeks at Kitzi’ot and Damon, they’ll be sorry about the time they arrived here,” a source close to Ben-Gvir told Israel Hayom. “We must eliminate their appetite for another attempt.”
More than 26,000 volunteers helping the mission
Thunberg said before she set sail on Sunday that the flotilla will “deliver humanitarian aid and break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza and open up a people’s humanitarian corridor.” She added that more than 26,000 volunteers have signed up to help with the mission.
“This project is part of a global uprising of people standing up… when our governments fail to step up, the people will take their place, and that their atrocities and their complicity in the genocide in Gaza right now… is not something we can stand for,” Thunberg said.
Thunberg’s previous flotilla that set sail in June was intercepted by Israel around 115 miles from Gaza. She was later deported from Israel to Paris.
Israel’s foreign ministry accused her and other activists of attempting “to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity.” The ministry added, “There are always ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip –– they do not involve Instagram selfies.”
International Association of Genocide Scholars resolution
Thunberg’s latest attempt comes as 86% of the 500-member International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) voted in favor of a resolution that recognizes Israel’s “policies and actions in Gaza” as acts of genocide. That’s according to criteria set forth in Article II of the 1948 United Nations Convention on genocide.
Israel’s foreign ministry condemned the resolution and said it is “entirely based on Hamas’ campaign of lies.” Israel has repeatedly refuted claims of genocide in Gaza and argues its war is one for its survival and to dismantle Hamas.
There is an ongoing case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague that is expected to determine whether or not Israel’s actions in its war against Hamas constitute genocide.
Trump says Israel losing PR battle
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said that Israel appears to be losing the public relations battle despite winning the war.
“They’re gonna have to get this war over with,” Trump told the Daily Caller. “There’s no question about it. They may be winning the war, but they’re not winning the world of public relations, you know, and it is hurting them.”
A Pew Poll published earlier this year showed that 53% of American adults had an unfavorable opinion of Israel, while just 42% of that demographic had an unfavorable view in 2022.
