Chicago group plans river flotilla after Israeli forces detain activists in Gaza blockade

Palestinian group organizes Chicago River flotilla

Israeli Naval forces have detained more than 400 international activists who were taking part in a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid.

CHICAGO - Israeli naval forces detained upwards of 450 international activists between Wednesday and Thursday who were taking part in a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid. The ships were trying to break Israel's blockade of Gaza when they were intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea.

On Thursday, a local Palestinian organization showed its solidarity with the Gaza aid flotilla—not by marching downtown but by setting sail in its very own "Chicago River Flotilla."

What we know:

Originally preparing to set sail on kayaks, Al Hub Forum shared on social media that they would instead be using boats after they say two separate kayak groups canceled after learning of their plans. 

The group describes itself as a Palestinian youth-led group. On Thursday, they met near the State Street bridge with Palestinian flags to mobilize in support of, and to raise awareness for, the Global Sumud Flotilla.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran from downstate Illinois, Jessica Clotfelter, is among the people who were detained when Israeli forces intercepted the fleet. 

Clotfelter's attorney, Farah Chalisa, shared that she hasn't been able to reach her client since her ship was surrounded. Up until then, the two were in touch almost daily as the 35-year-old offered updates on her month-long journey.

"Israel's assault on this flotilla — surrounding boats with warships, jamming communications, blasting civilians with water cannons and sulfuric liquid before boarding them — was the violent silencing of civilians carrying aid," Chalisa said. 

Before launching boats on the Chicago River, Chalisa and other organizers with Al Hub Forum called for Clotfelter's safe return home.

They are also asking elected leaders from Illinois to step in and help. 

"Every hour of silence places her and others in grave danger," Chalisa said. "Jessica is not a threat, she's a veteran who once risked her life for this country and now she risks her life again for the sake of humanity. Families are suffocating under a blockade and bombardment. "We must not lose sight of why Jess sailed." 

"I commend her for how brave she is, and how she took on this mission to go break the siege," said William Asfour, local activist. 

Dig deeper:

Israel argues that the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas from importing arms into Gaza. Flotilla members, on the other hand, say they are a civilian group, and international law should protect their ability to deliver humanitarian aid through this channel.

What's next:

Swedish climate and political activist Gret Thunberg was also detained during the interception. 

Those who were detained are facing deportation back to their home countries, but it's unclear how long that could take.