Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound 'Global Sumud Flotilla,' Activists Detained

The Israeli Navy has intercepted numerous vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to breach the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, detaining several hundred activists including prominent Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

The flotilla, consisting of over 40 civilian boats carrying around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, had sailed from ports in Europe with the stated aim of delivering a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid and challenging the long-standing Israeli blockade.

Interception in International Waters

The interception operation began late Wednesday approximately 70-75 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, in what the flotilla organizers claim were international waters. Israeli naval forces, reportedly numbering around 20 vessels, surrounded the civilian boats.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the interception, stating that several vessels of the "Hamas-Sumud flotilla" had been "safely stopped" and that all passengers were "safe and healthy" as they were being transferred to an Israeli port. Israeli officials repeatedly warned the flotilla to turn back, citing that the area was an active combat zone and that the vessels were violating a lawful blockade. They offered to transfer any aid through established, safe channels.

Flotilla organizers, however, denounced the action as an "illegal" raid and a "war crime," claiming the Israeli military used aggressive tactics, including water cannons and the scrambling of communications. Videos shared by the Israeli Foreign Ministry appeared to show Thunberg, one of the most high-profile passengers, sitting on the deck of a vessel surrounded by Israeli personnel.

Activists Detained, Deportation Expected

At least 15 to 19 boats were confirmed intercepted as of early Thursday, according to both Israeli and flotilla reports, with initial reports suggesting dozens of boats were continuing to sail. Activists who were detained are being taken to an Israeli port, with deportation procedures to their home countries in Europe expected to follow after the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Organizers posted videos on Telegram featuring individuals on board, some holding their passports, who claimed they were abducted and taken to Israel against their will. They reiterated their mission was non-violent and purely humanitarian.

International Condemnation and Protests

The interception has triggered swift and strong international reaction. Turkey’s foreign ministry called the action an "act of terror" that endangered civilian lives. Colombian President Gustavo Petro went further, announcing the cancellation of his country's free trade agreement with Israel and calling the interception an "international crime."

Global protests erupted in cities including Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, and Berlin, condemning the raid. Governments like France and Italy have called on Israel to ensure the safety of the detained activists and respect their right to consular protection.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which included approximately 500 participants from dozens of countries, marks one of the largest attempts in recent years to break the Israeli maritime blockade of Gaza. The incident reignites the ongoing debate over the legality and humanitarian impact of the blockade, which the UN and other international bodies have repeatedly criticized as a violation of international law.