The Israeli military has launched an operation against flotilla delivering aid to Gaza, detaining more than 450 foreign activists abroad around 42 boats, including Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg.

This action has sparked widespread international condemnation of Israel.

Live broadcasts from the scene, reported by Reuters showed Israeli soldiers in helmets and night vision goggles boarding the vessels, while activists wearing life jackets raised their hands in surrender.

A video released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry depicted Greta Thunberg sitting on a boat’s deck, surrounded by armed personnel.

The Palestinian Forum organisation claimed that former senator Mushtaq Ahmed was also among those detained, although this has not been independently verified.

The group organising the aid mission Global Solidarity Flotilla, confirmed on its social media platform X (formerly known as twitter) that over 450 volunteers have been taken into custody.

The organisation stated that the detained activists were moved for a large cargo ship before being taken ashore. Reports suggest that the detained boats have been transported to Ashdod port, where the activists are expected to be deported to Europe.

In response to Israel’s actions, protests against the Zionist government have erupted globally with supporters Palestine demonstrating in several European cities, as well as in Karachi, Buenos Airs and Mexico City. Labor unions in Italy called for a nationwide strike on Friday.

Despite the operation, organisers confirmed that one of the boats in the flotilla, the “Marinette”, continues its journey. Live broadcasts showed the crew still operating the vessel, which was reported to be 80 nautical miles from Gaza and 10 nautical miles from where Israel has intercepted other boats.

Arab journalists Hassan Masoud claimed on social media that another boat, the “Mexico” has entered Gaza’s maritime boundaries.

An account associated with Global Solidarity Flotilla Commentary stated that the “Mekino”, was minutes away from making the history as the first ship to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza since 2009.

The convoy which set off from Spain on August 31 has seen various boats join its ranks during the journey. The Israeli Navy targeted the convoy approximately 70 nautical miles from Palestinian waters.