Israel’s foreign ministry announced on Thursday that it would deport to Europe the pro-Palestinian activists who were on board vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which were intercepted by Israeli naval forces.

“Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health,” the ministry stated on X, following the interception of several vessels en route to Gaza.

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The "Global Sumud Flotilla" — comprising around 45 vessels carrying politicians and activists — departed from Spain last month with the aim of challenging Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory. The mission comes amid warnings from the United Nations that famine has taken hold in Gaza after nearly two years of conflict.

Former Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, leading the Pakistani delegation on the Global Sumud Flotilla, was arrested earlier on Thursday by Israeli forces after they boarded the vessel.

One of the first boats to be boarded carried Greta Thunberg, according to Israel's Foreign Ministry, which released a video showing an Israeli soldier handing her belongings back after her detention. The ministry said, "Greta and her friends are safe and healthy," while confirming that several vessels had already been diverted to Israeli ports.

(With AFP inputs)