Israel intercepts boat with Greta Thunberg, other activists bound for Gaza

Israel has intercepted a boat with environmental activist Greta Thunberg and others bound for Gaza that the activists say is a mission to bring aid to the Palestinian territory.

Thunberg and the other activists departed from Catania, on the Italian island of Sicily, on June 1, expecting to reach Gazan waters about a week later, CBS News reported. They were intercepted by Israel late on Sunday, and the boat was "safely making its way to the shores of Israel," according to Israel's Foreign Ministry.

"The passengers are expected to return to their home countries," the minisry said in a social media post, adding that any aid on the ship would be sent to Gaza.

Critics of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition say its attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza was largely symbolic and ane effort to protest Israel's blockade of the territory and wartime conduct. 

The coalition claimed that the boat crew has been "kidnapped by Israeli forces," and released pre-recorded messages from them.

"The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo – including baby formula, food and medical supplies – confiscated," the coalition said in a statement.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said earlier Sunday that Israel wouldn't allow the naval blockade to be broken by anyone, which he said was aimed at preventing Hamas from importing arms, and has lasted for three months.

Thunberg was aboard the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, with about 11 other activists. The coalition says it is a grassroots movement trying to end the blockade of Gaza.

"Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits," Israel's Foreign Ministry said a social media post on the interception Monday, including a photo of a lifejacket-clad Thunberg smiling as a member of the Israeli forces offers her some food.

Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent, is also among the activists. She's been prevented from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israeli policies toward the Palestinians.

"We have less than 24 hours left before we are illegally detained by Israeli authorities who want to prevent us from reaching the Gaza Strip," Hassan wrote in an X post on Sunday. "When we are no longer able to communicate with you, I'm counting on you to continue the mobilization that has been so valuable to us throughout this journey."