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53m ago

Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla in International Waters, Removes Greta Thunberg and Other Activists

Israel describes the boarding as lawful blockade enforcement, a characterization the flotilla disputes.

Image
A ship, from right, known as the "Family" and is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, is anchored off the coast of the village of Sidi Bou Said, on Sept. 9, 2025.
Activists on board a flotilla of vessels sailing toward Gaza say the Israeli navy has begun intercepting their vessels as they approach the besieged Palestinian territory, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. (Global Sumud Flottila via AP)
Sailing boats, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, sail off Koufonisi islet, Greece, September 26, 2025. REUTERS/Stefanos Rapanis/File Photo

Overview

  • Israeli officials said several Global Sumud vessels were safely stopped about 70–75 nautical miles from Gaza and passengers, including Greta Thunberg, were being transferred to an Israeli port.
  • Flotilla organisers reported boardings in international waters after communications were cut, cited water cannon use and a ramming incident, and said around 70 people were detained according to some accounts.
  • Israel said it warned the convoy, offered diversion to Ashdod or Ashkelon to unload aid for transfer to Gaza, and published documents alleging organiser ties to Hamas, which participants and some governments dispute.
  • Italy and Spain ended their naval escorts at Israel’s 150‑nautical‑mile exclusion limit, and Italy’s foreign minister said activists would be towed to Ashdod for deportation and that force should not be used.
  • Protests broke out in several cities, Italian unions called a strike, Turkey condemned the operation as an act of terrorism, and Colombia’s president said he would expel remaining Israeli diplomats.