Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla late Wednesday night as it attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, drawing renewed attention to the ongoing blockade of the enclave. The flotilla, which set sail from Spain in August, carried dozens of activists, politicians and humanitarian workers, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The interception took place around 8:30 pm Gaza time in international waters, according to a statement released by the flotilla organisers. They reported that Israeli forces boarded multiple vessels, including the Alma, Sirius and Adara, and added that contact had been lost with several other boats after the operation.
Israel later confirmed that it had halted the flotilla. The foreign ministry said the passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port before being deported to their home countries. Photographs shared by the ministry showed Thunberg and others on board, under Israeli supervision.
The Netanyahu government had previously warned the flotilla against attempting to breach the blockade, stressing that it would not permit the convoy to reach Gaza. Organisers of the mission described the interception as illegal and claimed that several of their boats had come under fire and drone surveillance in earlier stages of the journey.
The Global Sumud Flotilla originally departed from Barcelona before stopping in Tunisia for ten days, where activists alleged that some of their vessels were hit by drone strikes. Naval units from Spain and Italy were later deployed to provide assistance as the convoy resumed its voyage toward Gaza.
Supporters of the flotilla said the mission was aimed at challenging Israel&rsquo;s restrictions on aid and drawing international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has already warned of worsening famine conditions in the territory due to severe shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies under the blockade.
The confrontation adds to the growing tensions in the region, with videos circulated by organisers showing flashes of gunfire and drones hovering above the flotilla&rsquo;s boats shortly before the interception. Israel has not commented on claims of drone attacks during the convoy&rsquo;s stop in Tunisia.

Israel seizes Global Sumud aid flotilla to Gaza

Israeli navy intercepts flotilla with activists, including Greta Thunberg, bound for Gaza

Israel seizes Global Sumud aid flotilla to Gaza

Israeli navy intercepts flotilla with activists, including Greta Thunberg, bound for Gaza

October 2, 2025 | 15:16 IST