Israel’s Interception of the ‘Global Sumud’ Humanitarian Flotilla Sparks International Condemnation

On October 2, 2025, Israeli naval forces intercepted a flotilla made up of about 40 vessels carrying more than 400 international activists, among them Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, who sought to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and challenge the Israeli blockade.

With cameras broadcasting live, heavily armed Israeli soldiers were seen boarding the ships while passengers, wearing life jackets, raised their hands. The Israeli government reported that the passengers would be taken to the port of Ashdod and later deported.

Greta Thunberg, whose participation in the flotilla generated major media attention, released a prerecorded message denouncing that she had been “abducted and transported against her will” and reaffirming that the mission was peaceful and in accordance with international law.

International reactions and repercussions

• Turkey strongly criticized the Israeli action, calling it a “gangster-like attitude” and announcing investigations into the detention of Turkish citizens.

• Colombia expelled Israeli diplomats in protest over the incident.

• In Italy and other European countries, massive demonstrations were held, and even labor unions called strikes in support of the flotilla.

• Governments such as Spain and Italy condemned the interception and demanded respect for the rights of the detainees.

Position of the Israeli government

Israel defended its decision, claiming the operation responded to a wartime situation in the maritime area near Gaza and that the vessels had entered a zone under its military jurisdiction. Additionally, it offered to have the humanitarian aid delivered through official channels controlled by Israel. Israeli authorities described the flotilla as a political provocation.

Demands of the organizers

The flotilla and its promoters denounced the Israeli action as “an illegal attack” against unarmed activists, and called for the immediate protection, release, and repatriation of all detainees. They also urged international organizations to intervene and guarantee the free passage of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Humanitarian context

This flotilla, the most ambitious in recent years, departed from Spain and was composed of representatives from more than 40 countries, with 44 boats and nearly 500 people on board at the time of departure. The mission sought to draw attention to the dire conditions faced by Gaza’s civilian population, subjected to severe restrictions on access to food, water, medicine, and other essential goods amid ongoing conflict.