The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted for violating a legal naval blockade and that those on board were transferred to an Israeli port. Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 21:50 GMT.
The flotilla reported being intercepted and that the Israeli military had boarded some of its vessels on Wednesday night.
The flotilla, carrying activists including Greta Thunberg, had previously been warned to reroute to the port of Ashdod, north of Gaza, according to the Foreign Ministry. Israeli officials said any aid could be transferred “through safe channels.” The navy warned the flotilla it was entering an active combat zone and violating a legal blockade. Several vessels were detained and passengers taken to an Israeli port.
In a separate statement, the ministry said Thunberg and her “friends” were safe.
About 20 unidentified vessels had been spotted approaching earlier, according to people on board, as passengers donned life jackets and declared an emergency.
Organizers wrote on X: “Our vessels are being illegally intercepted. Cameras are disconnected, and military personnel have boarded. We are working to confirm the safety of all participants.”
Israeli commandos were expected to board some of the 44 boats as the flotilla made its final approach to Gaza, symbolically flanked by Italian and Spanish warships.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Rai TV: “We were assured there would be no violence. Our embassy and consulate will assist Italians likely to be taken to Ashdod and then expelled.”
Protests erupted in Italy Wednesday night, and unions called for a general strike on Friday. The CGIL union declared: “The aggression against civilian ships carrying Italian citizens is extremely serious.”
Turkey accused Israel of committing an “act of terrorism.”
A video posted on Instagram showed the shadow of what was said to be an Israeli military ship near civilian boats. “I fear this will be my last letter from the Global Sumud Flotilla”, activist David Adler wrote on X.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, heavy bombardments continued, killing more than 24 people overnight. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it had suspended operations and relocated staff due to escalating hostilities.
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