Watch: Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla, Detains Over 450 Activists

The Israeli navy has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy of more than 40 vessels carrying food, medicine, baby formula and volunteers from 47 countries to Gaza, detaining over 450 participants, including prominent Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

The interception, carried out in international waters, has drawn widespread international criticism and raised legal concerns over maritime law.

The flotilla organisers stated that the mission was peaceful and non-violent. Israeli forces reportedly approached the convoy with water cannons, “skunk water” and communication jamming systems before boarding the vessels.

Several ships were stopped by what organisers described as a chain-like barrier in waters beyond Israel’s jurisdiction. Video from the incident showed armed soldiers boarding vessels, while participants, wearing life jackets, gathered on deck with hands raised.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Global Sumud Flotilla (@globalsumudflotilla)

A pre-recorded message released on behalf of Greta Thunberg said she had been “abducted and taken against her will” during a humanitarian mission she said was conducted in accordance with international law.

Flotilla representatives said about 443 volunteers were forcibly taken aboard the large naval vessel MSC Johannesburg and brought to Ashdod port in Israel.

Adalah, a human rights legal centre representing the flotilla participants, said it had received limited information and was not informed about whether those detained would be processed under Israel’s immigration system.

The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the transfer of all detainees to Ashdod, stating that they were “safe and in good health” and that one remaining vessel was still at sea.

At the time of reporting, the Marinette, sailing under the Polish flag with six passengers, was still operational and maintaining contact via Starlink. Another vessel, the Mikeno, sailing under the French flag, was reported to have possibly entered Palestinian territorial waters but had lost contact.

The interception led to protests in European cities and in Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City, while Italian trade unions called a general strike.

Leaders in several countries have expressed concern. Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan criticised Israel’s actions, saying they showed no intention of seeking peace. The Istanbul prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish nationals aboard the flotilla vessels.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Global Sumud Flotilla (@globalsumudflotilla)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the release of South African participants, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of former President Nelson Mandela.

Italy’s foreign minister said detainees could be deported early next week, with some expected to be sent to European capitals on charter flights. Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, described the interception as a “criminal act” and called for worldwide protests.

The flotilla, which departed in late August, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade, which critics have called a violation of human rights.

Israel has repeatedly called the mission provocative, arguing that approaching Gaza during an active military operation breaches the blockade. Israel offered to transfer aid through official channels, but the flotilla chose to sail directly to Gaza.

The interception comes nearly two years after Israel began its military operation in Gaza, which followed the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages to Gaza. Palestinian authorities say more than 66,000 people have died in Gaza since the offensive began.

The detained activists are expected to be processed in Ashdod before transfer to Ketziot Prison in southern Israel, and later deported. Adalah and flotilla organisers are demanding access to detainees and information about their status, describing the interception as an unlawful seizure in violation of international law.

References: Globalsumudflotilla, Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News