PARTY’S OVER: Israeli forces seize Gaza-bound aid boat and detain Greta Thunberg and other activists [Thunberg releases staged video]

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From the Associated Press: Israeli forces seized a Gaza-bound aid boat and detained Greta Thunberg and other activists who were on board early Monday, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has been tightened during the war with Hamas.

The activists had set out to protest Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which is among the deadliest and most destructive since World War II, and its restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, both of which have put the territory of some 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which had organized the voyage, said the activists were “kidnapped by Israeli forces” while trying to deliver desperately needed aid to the territory.

“The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo — including baby formula, food and medical supplies — confiscated,” it said in a statement. It said the ship was seized in international waters some 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Gaza.

The Israel Foreign Ministry first announced early Monday, “The Israeli Navy is currently communicating with the “selfie yacht”. Using an international civilian communication system, the Israeli Navy has instructed the “selfie yacht” to change its course due to its approach toward a restricted area.”

Less than two hours later, the Israel Foreign Ministry posted a video of the activists and announced, “All the passengers of the ‘selfie yacht’ are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over.”

“Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits,” the Israel Foreign Ministry added.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition dramatically released videos of each of the activists, which had been recorded in advance.

“If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli Occupational Forces, or forces that support Israel,” Thunberg claims in the video. “I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”

“SOS! the volunteers on ‘Madleen’ have been kidnapped by Israeli forces.
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish citizen. Pressure their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe!” the FFC wrote.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition defiantly added in another post, “When governments fail we sail until Palestine is free! 🙏 @MosabAbuToha. We look forward to a future where we sail towards a free Palestine and are welcomed on her shores by her people.”

READ MORE from the Associated Press.

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