Israeli occupation forces have boarded and taken control of several ships that are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which had been attempting to break Israeli blockade of Gaza.
The flotilla – which in all includes 44 civilian boats and about 500 activists – was intercepted by Israeli forces late on Wednesday, with activists on board detained and taken to occupied territories.
Organizers of the flotilla reported that Israeli naval forces boarded the vessels about 70 nautical miles (130km) off the coast of Gaza, cutting communications and jamming signals as the flotilla neared the blockaded enclave.
🚨 BREAKING: The Global Sumud Flotilla is being intercepted by the Israeli navy.
So close to Gaza, yet so far.
The criminal entity will not allow a single vessel to reach the starving. Even mercy is blockaded.
A state so terrified of compassion it blockades bread & medicine.… pic.twitter.com/bMduEvJe8j
— Hala Jaber (@HalaJaber) October 1, 2025
In total, at least 21 vessels that are part of the flotilla have been intercepted at sea so far.
As the boats near Gaza, activists of the Sumud Flotilla made live video available for the safety of those on board.
Mandla Mandela releases a statement from the Sumud Flotilla as interception becomes imminent ‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/Y3ZChhItJo
— #Africa4Palestine (@Africa4Pal) October 1, 2025
Saif Abukeshek, spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla, said more than 201 people from 37 countries were on board these boats. This included 30 participants from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Turkiye and 12 from Malaysia, among others.
“We have at least two dozen ships that are still fighting their way away from the military vessels of the occupation forces trying to reach to the shores of Gaza. They are determined,” he added.
Those are now 85km (46 nautical miles) from Gaza’s coast, according to the flotilla organizers.
Israeli Occupation Confirms Interception
For their part, Israeli occupation authorities confirmed the flotilla was intercepted, with foreign ministry saying Gaza activists detained from the flotilla are “safe and in good health after navy commandos seized them at sea.”
“Deportation procedures” to Europe for those detained will now begin, the Israeli foreign ministry said.
The Global Sumud Flotilla had garnered global attention as one of the biggest naval aid missions to the Palestinian enclave.
The Israeli arrests of activists on board sparked protests in cities including Rome, Buenos Aires and Istanbul on Wednesday night.
Thousands of people in front of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Athens Greece against the interception of Zionist IOF to the Global Sumud Flotilla pic.twitter.com/L0PW3PTlm9
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025
Many countries blasted the Zionist entity over the interception of the Sumud Flotilla including Turkiye, Pakistan, Spain and Brazil.
Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)
