Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla—a convoy of over 40 civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid and around 500 activists from 44 countries—approximately 70-75 nautical miles (130 km) off Gaza’s coast on Wednesday evening. The operation, conducted in international waters, led to the detention of prominent passengers including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, actor Susan Sarandon, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, and several European lawmakers. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed all detainees are “safe and healthy,” releasing a video showing Thunberg calmly interacting with masked, armed personnel on deck. As of early Thursday, at least 13-15 boats have been diverted to Ashdod port, where passengers face deportation proceedings after medical checks and signing orders; the remaining vessels continue toward Gaza undeterred.
The Interception: What Happened?
The flotilla, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) coalition to challenge Israel’s 18-year naval blockade of Gaza, departed Barcelona on August 31 with symbolic aid like rice, baby formula, medical supplies, water filters, and food—aiming to highlight the enclave’s humanitarian crisis amid famine warnings and over 66,000 deaths in the ongoing war. Around 7-8 p.m. local time, about 20 Israeli warships surrounded the fleet, ordering engines off and issuing final warnings via radio to turn back, citing the area as an “active combat zone” and blockade violation. Boarding began with the flagship Alma, where commandos used water cannons and detained crew without resistance; live streams showed passengers in lifejackets sitting peacefully before feeds cut.
Moments before, Thunberg posted an Instagram video: “My name is Greta Thunberg. I am on board the ship Alma. We are about to be intercepted by Israel.” The Foreign Ministry’s footage, verified by Reuters, depicts her on deck, handed water and a jacket by a soldier, captioned: “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.” Over 150 activists have been detained so far, with Israel offering to inspect and forward aid via established channels.
Israel’s Stance and Historical Context
Israel views the flotilla as a “provocation” and “selfie yacht” linked to Hamas, insisting the blockade—imposed since 2007 after Hamas’s takeover and tightened in 2009—prevents arms smuggling and is lawful for security. The interception echoes the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, where nine activists died, and Thunberg’s June 2025 detention on the Madleen vessel, 115 miles offshore, where she accused Israel of “kidnapping” in international waters. Rockets from Gaza toward Ashdod preceded the boarding, intercepted without casualties.
Activists’ Response and Global Reactions
GSF condemned the action as an “illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians” and “war crime,” vowing to continue: “People of conscience have been abducted… Israel’s genocide and blockade are illegal.” Thunberg, previously deported in June, reiterated no publicity stunt: “No one would risk their life for that.” The UN has long criticized the blockade as violating humanitarian law, exacerbating Gaza’s “man-made” famine and aid restrictions.
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni called the flotilla risky amid Trump’s recent peace plan, while Spain’s PM defended it. Social media buzzes with outrage, memes, and calls for release, trending #GlobalSumudFlotilla and #FreeGreta. Detainees, including French and Brazilian nationals, may refuse deportation and face judicial proceedings. The timing, post-Trump’s plan, underscores tensions between activism and diplomacy.
