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The Israeli government is reportedly planning to detain activist Greta Thunberg in “terrorist like conditions” after the Swedish climate campaigner joined the largest flotilla bound for Gaza, which left the Spanish city of Barcelona on Monday, reports stated.
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It is the second time that the Swedish activist will attempt to reach the occupied territory of Gaza after she was detained and sent back by the Israeli authorities in June. Thunberg was scheduled to set sail on Sunday but a storm delayed the flotilla.
Activists have called the attempt by Thunberg and others as the “largest solidarity mission” in history, wherein an attempt is being made to provide aid supplies to Gaza. Israeli authorities have blocked basic aid and medical supplies to Gaza residents, where a United Nations report has suggested that the descent into a “massive famine” in Gaza has begun.
Israel’s local media reports have stated that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir would convey to the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a harder approach this time around when Greta Thunberg and her allies arrive to enter Gaza.
“This time, Ben-Gvir will suggest to Netanyahu not to be satisfied with mild detentions and aerial deportation, but instead a deterrent strategy,” Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported.
Ben-Gvir, who has earlier been sanctioned by the Australian government for “inciting violence” against Palestinians, reportedly suggested seizing flotilla vessels in which Greta Thunberg and other activists are sailing and turn them into a “maritime force for police operations”.
“Detaining the activists in terrorist-level conditions at Ktzi’ot and Damon (for females) facilities lacking television or radio, without superior-quality meals and involving prolonged custody rather than merely overnight,” news.com.au reported quoting Israel Hayom.
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Before the departure of flotilla, Thunberg was asked about the mission and she said, “The difference between this and previous missions is that now we are dozens of boats, sailing from several ports around the Mediterranean Sea.”
Accusing Israel of violating humanitarian laws, the Swedish activist added “Israel has been continuously violating international law, blocking humanitarian aid, and escalating violence and mass starvation.”
(with inputs from news.com.au, The Independent)
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