Already facing immense global pressure over its ongoing war in Gaza, Israel has now become a point of international condemnation and protests for intercepting a flotilla carrying aid to the war-torn region. Israeli military is learnt to have held over 450 activists captive on Thursday (October 2, 2025).
The Gaza aid flotilla carrying Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, almost all of about 40 boats of which, were intercepted by the Israeli forces. Cameras broadcasting live feeds from the boats showed armed Israeli soldiers in helmets and night vision goggles boarding the ships.
This development comes after Israel announced that those detained will be deported. Several foreign activities including Thunberg were detained by the Israeli Navy when their boats were about 70 nautical miles off the besieged enclave. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla were “safely stopped”.
What happened to Gaza aid flotilla?
It added that the passengers were transferred to an Israeli port, from where they are expected to face deportation. “Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health,” the Foreign Ministry posted on X.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of roughly 45 vessels carrying around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, set sail from Spain last month in a bid to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The enclave, devastated by war and described by the UN as facing famine-level conditions, was the flotilla’s intended destination.
The ships are loaded with food, medicine and other critical relief supplies.
How did the Gaza aid flotilla interception unfold at sea?
As Israel’s war in Gaza continues, tensions escalated at sea when Israeli forces intercepted a large aid flotilla attempting to break the blockade. The flotilla was halted before reaching Gaza’s coast. Live feeds showed Israeli naval boats surrounding the flotilla, using flashing lights before boarding, while some activists wearing life jackets surrendered and discarded their devices to prevent data seizure.
The fleet, backed by Thunberg–aligned solidarity groups, aimed to challenge Israel’s maritime restrictions and deliver humanitarian supplies amid reports of mass civilian casualties in Gaza.
Israeli drones and water cannons were reportedly used during the seizure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the navy, insisting the activists were detained safely and without injury.
Why are global protests erupting in the flotilla’s aftermath?
The interception ignited demonstrations across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Major rallies broke out in Rome, Madrid, Athens, Istanbul, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Naples, and Kuala Lumpur, with tens of thousands calling for justice for the flotilla and an end to the Gaza siege.
Some protests turned confrontational. In Barcelona, riot police used batons against demonstrators attempting to scale barriers. In Brussels, 3,000 people gathered outside the European Parliament, lighting smoke bombs and crackers. Geneva saw bonfires and clashes with riot police on Mont Blanc bridge. Athens witnessed fireworks and flares amid chants denouncing “genocide” in Gaza.
Brisbane, Dublin, Berlin, The Hague, Tunis, Brasilia, and Geneva also reported growing mobilisation.
How have governments responded internationally?
State reactions have ranged from criticism to diplomatic rupture. Turkey called the interception an “act of terrorism” and a violation of international law. Pakistan labelled it further evidence of Israel’s “ongoing aggression.”
Colombia took the most drastic step as President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomatic mission and moved to end a free trade agreement, noting two Colombian citizens were aboard the flotilla. Petro accused Israel of genocide, an allegation Israel rejects.
Meanwhile, European governments, despite having warned their citizens against joining the flotilla, are now negotiating with Israel for the detainees’ safe transfer. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned domestic strikes in solidarity with the passengers, calling them disruptive and “unhelpful to Palestinians.”
What is the conflict context behind the flotilla?
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 abducted, has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza since 2007, arguing it is essential to prevent arms smuggling. Critics view it as unlawful collective punishment.
The flotilla departed Barcelona last month to establish a maritime aid corridor, citing failures and restrictions on land-based relief delivery. Activists argue that unarmed humanitarian missions are legal under international norms. Israel maintains that any breach of the blockade, even for aid, risks enabling Hamas.