A group of activists, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, saw their mission to bring aid to Gaza stopped by the Israeli military. Israeli forces boarded the ship while they were in international waters.

Israel's foreign ministry has denounced the Gaza-bound ships, including one carrying Greta Thunberg, as a publicity stunt rather than genuine humanitarian aid. The ministry insists that the maritime zone off Gaza is legally blockaded and that aid is already being delivered through official channels.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has hit back at South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham for mocking her Gaza trip, saying it spoke "a lot about their priorities".