Overview

• Israeli naval forces boarded and stopped about 42 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining an estimated 400–500 activists from more than 40 countries and transferring many to Ashdod for deportation, according to Israeli officials and organisers.
• Detained participants include Greta Thunberg and Nkosi Zwelivelile (Mandla) Mandela, while governments are seeking consular access and Israel says all passengers are safe and will be sent to Europe.
• Organisers and legal advocates say the seizures occurred in international waters and violated maritime law, as Israel asserts it is lawfully enforcing a wartime naval blockade of Gaza.
• Backlash grew across capitals with Brazil issuing a formal condemnation, Colombia moving to expel Israeli diplomats, Pakistan and others pressing for releases, and large demonstrations and union actions reported from Barcelona to Italy and Ireland.
• The Polish‑flagged Marinette, with a small crew, remains en route toward Gaza after falling behind the main flotilla, and Israel has warned it will prevent any further attempt to breach the blockade.