Gaza Casualties Mount as Israel Detains Thunberg-Led Aid Ship Crew

Israeli military operations across Gaza resulted in at least 60 Palestinian fatalities on Monday, with simultaneous detention of an international aid vessel's crew including prominent environmental activist Greta Thunberg. The developments mark a significant escalation in regional tensions amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

Rafah Aid Center Attack

Among the most severe incidents occurred near southern Rafah, where Israeli strikes targeted the perimeter of a US-supported humanitarian facility. At least 14 civilians awaiting aid distribution perished in the assault, according to eyewitness reports. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates the facility, condemned the attack as a "blatant violation of protected humanitarian spaces."

Monday's death toll represents one of the deadliest single-day casualty counts in recent weeks, with hospitals across the enclave reporting overwhelming influxes of wounded civilians. Medical sources indicate critical shortages of trauma supplies and blood reserves as bombardment continues along evacuation routes.

Madleen Aid Ship Intercepted

Concurrently, Israeli naval forces intercepted the humanitarian vessel Madleen attempting to reach Gaza's coast. The ship, carrying medical supplies and food staples, was forcibly redirected to Ashdod port after refusing to alter course. All 12 crew members—representing seven nationalities—were detained upon arrival.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Al Jazeera correspondent Omar Fayyad were among those taken into custody. The activists' legal representative confirmed deportation proceedings have commenced, stating: "Israeli authorities are processing them for immediate expulsion despite lacking legitimate security justification for their detention."

"This violent interception contradicts maritime humanitarian law," the lawyer added during communication with Al Jazeera. "The Madleen carried internationally inspected relief items for Gaza's starving population."

Escalating Tensions

The incidents occur amid heightened international scrutiny of Israel's blockade enforcement. Humanitarian organizations report over half a million Gazans now face catastrophic hunger levels, with aid access decreasing by 45% since January. The UN Human Rights Office recently documented 27 attacks on aid convoys this year alone.

Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Ministry defended the maritime interception as "necessary border protection," claiming the vessel entered restricted waters after repeated warnings. No timeline has been provided for the deportees' release or the seized aid's disposition.

As night fell Monday, Gazans conducted mass burials while protests erupted outside Israeli embassies across European capitals. The coordinated maritime aid initiative—involving activists from 11 countries—had intended to spotlight the blockade's humanitarian consequences through high-profile participation.