Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others were detained by Israeli forces after their Gaza-bound aid boat, the Madleen, was intercepted in international waters and towed to Ashdod.

The group, carrying symbolic aid, is now being processed for deportation at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport. Those refusing deportation may face legal proceedings.

The interception has drawn condemnation from Turkey and Iran, while France urged the return of its citizens.

The activists’ mission was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s efforts to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza, which Israeli officials defend as necessary for security.

A separate land convoy from Tunisia is also attempting a symbolic challenge to the blockade, The Guardian has reported.

Meanwhile, Israel faces criticism over limited aid access to Gaza and the controversial U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Written by B.C. Begley