Israeli Forces Board Humanitarian Aid Convoy in International Waters
The Israeli navy has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian aid mission attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza. On October 1, 2025, Israeli naval forces boarded multiple vessels in international waters, detaining prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg and approximately 500 other activists from more than 40 countries. The flotilla, consisting of over 40 boats carrying symbolic amounts of food, water, and medical supplies, had been sailing from Barcelona for over a month.
Military Operation Unfolds
According to eyewitness accounts and activist reports, around 20 Israeli naval vessels approached the flotilla around 8:00 PM local time. 'We could see the warships approaching rapidly, and then they began circling us,' said Roos Ykema, a Dutch activist aboard the Mohammad Bhar vessel. 'It was clear they were preparing to board.' Israeli forces boarded three vessels initially, with activists reporting communications being jammed and live-streams cut off during the operation.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the interception on social media platform X, stating: 'Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade.' The ministry offered to transfer humanitarian aid through established channels, calling the mission 'provocation rather than genuine aid delivery.'
High-Profile Participants Detained
Among those detained were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. This marks Thunberg's second detention by Israeli authorities in recent months, following her arrest in June 2025 aboard the activist vessel Madleen. 'If you're seeing this video, it means I have been kidnapped by the Zionist regime,' Thunberg said in a pre-recorded message released by activists.
The flotilla had faced previous challenges during its journey, including what activists described as drone attacks on September 9 and September 24. One vessel caught fire off the coast of Tunisia, which the flotilla organization attributed to a drone strike.
International Response and Diplomatic Tensions
Italy's Foreign Minister confirmed the interception operation, stating that Israel had assured no violence would be used against participants. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had previously called on the activists to turn back, expressing concerns that their mission could 'frustrate chances for a ceasefire' amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza conflict.
Spain's government defended the mission as humanitarian, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stating that Spanish participants would receive diplomatic protection. The Italian naval vessel that had been accompanying the flotilla turned back as it approached Israeli waters, following diplomatic instructions.
Historical Context of Gaza Flotillas
This incident continues a pattern of maritime confrontations between Israeli forces and activist vessels attempting to break the blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007 when Hamas took control of the territory. Previous flotillas in 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2018 have all been intercepted by Israeli forces, sometimes with violent outcomes.
The 2010 Gaza flotilla raid resulted in the deaths of nine activists when Israeli commandos boarded the Mavi Marmara, drawing international condemnation and straining Israel-Turkey relations for years.
Activists are expected to be transported to the Israeli port of Ashdod for processing and subsequent deportation. The humanitarian supplies aboard the vessels will likely be transferred through Israeli-controlled checkpoints if they meet security requirements.