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2h ago

Israeli Navy Boards Gaza Aid Flotilla in International Waters

Israel argues the naval blockade permits interdiction in international waters, a claim activists and some governments dispute.

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
Ships that are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza are anchored off the coast of of Sidi Bou Saïd in Tunis, Tunisia, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Anis Mili)
A ship (R), 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 September 9, 2025. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)

Overview

  • Israel’s foreign ministry said several flotilla vessels were stopped about 70–90 nautical miles from Gaza and passengers were being taken to Ashdod, adding that Greta Thunberg and others were safe.
  • Organisers reported what they called an illegal interception, saying cameras were cut and boats were boarded after earlier reports of aggressive maneuvers and communications jamming.
  • The Global Sumud Flotilla involves roughly 40–50 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists and a symbolic amount of food and medicine, with participants including Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela.
  • Italy’s foreign minister said the operation would see boats towed to Ashdod and participants deported in the coming days, while Spain’s prime minister defended the mission as humanitarian and European escorts had urged a turn back.
  • Political fallout mounted as Italian unions announced a Friday general strike and protests erupted in several cities, Turkey condemned the operation, and Colombia’s president said he would expel remaining Israeli diplomats.