Activist Boat to Gaza Intercepted: Thunberg and Brazilian Activist Detained by Israel

Boat carrying Brazilian activist and Greta Thunberg intercepted by Israeli navy after attempting to breach Gaza blockade. A boat carrying Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was intercepted by the Israeli navy on Sunday night, according to Folha de S.Paulo reporter Victor Lacombe. The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla initiative, attempted to break the blockade of Gaza. Lacombe stated, "The boat, which also carried other activists from various countries, was escorted to the port of Ashdod near Tel Aviv." The video shows images of the boat, the activists, and the devastation in Gaza. The United Nations has reported a humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to ongoing conflict. The Israeli government stated that the activists would be deported. Folha de S.Paulo contacted the Itamaraty (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the Brazilian embassy in Tel Aviv to inquire about Ávila's condition, but received no response. The Madleen departed from Sicily on June 1st with a symbolic amount of food and medicine for Gaza. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the efforts of activists to bring aid to those affected.