The Israeli navy has intercepted vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said several boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were “safely stopped” and redirected to an Israeli port after being told they were entering an “active combat zone.”
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
Israeli forces have kidnapped Greta Thunberg and dozens of Global Sumud Flotilla participants, including journalists. More boats are being stormed as the flotilla—carrying baby formula for Gaza’s starving children—is under attack.#GlobalSumudFlotilla… pic.twitter.com/rz7f0CoD8k— Radio Islam (@radioislam) October 1, 2025
The GSF condemned the move as “illegal” and “a brazen act of desperation,” alleging that one vessel was rammed and others hit with water cannons. The group also accused Israel of deliberately cutting ship communications to block distress calls and livestreams. At the time of interception, the flotilla was 70 nautical miles from Gaza, with GSF reporting that 30 boats were still “sailing strong” toward their destination early Thursday.
This is Zionism
This is what Israel is
Depraved barbarism #GlobalSumudFlotilla pic.twitter.com/CFcLc6eDAI
— Stop The Bollocks with Mirabel (@MirabelTweets1) October 1, 2025
Read more: Italy to end support for Gaza flotilla as Israeli action looms
Israel maintains the flotilla was breaching a lawful naval blockade of Gaza. The Foreign Ministry released footage showing Thunberg being handed water and a jacket by Israeli personnel, insisting all detainees were “safe and healthy.” The government has dismissed the flotilla as a “provocation,” while activists argue it was a peaceful humanitarian mission.
International Fallout and Gaza Crisis
The interception triggered protests in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey. Italian unions announced a general strike in solidarity, while Turkey’s foreign ministry denounced the action as “terrorism.” Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats, scrapped a free trade agreement, and demanded the release of two Colombians aboard.
You are the most honorable people. You are the only ones who stood with Gaza. You are the hope of its people to stop the Israeli war of extermination. #GlobalSumudFlotilla 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/cWnPTdJtxq
— Aditya Juans Mandagie (@AdityaMandagie) October 1, 2025
Ireland’s deputy prime minister voiced concern for seven Irish nationals detained, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews. France and Italy both said they had sought assurances from Israel that no violence would be used against the 500 passengers, which included European lawmakers.
Read more: Another Set Back for Israel: Spain Cancels Arms Contract, Others May Follow
Aid agencies warn Gaza faces famine due to Israel’s restrictions on supplies. The UN has blamed Israel’s “systematic obstruction” for the crisis, a claim rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an “outright lie.” Israel says it is preventing aid from reaching Hamas and instead backs the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a distribution scheme rejected by the UN as unethical.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its assault on Gaza City, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning that those who remain will be treated as “terrorists.” The International Committee of the Red Cross has reminded all parties that civilians must be protected under international humanitarian law.