Israel Intercepts Another Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla, Over A Hundred Activists Detained

The Israeli military has intercepted another aid flotilla bound for Gaza, detaining scores of activists and redirecting their vessels to Israel, according to both flotilla organisers and official statements.

The incident occurred early on Wednesday when Israeli naval forces stopped a nine-vessel flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 120 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast.

The vessels, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Thousand Madleens to Gaza initiative, were reportedly attempting to breach Israel’s long-standing naval blockade.

According to the flotilla organisers, the boats were carrying a symbolic quantity of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, intended for hospitals in Gaza.

Those on board included doctors, politicians, and three Turkish lawmakers. Organisers described the detentions as “arbitrary and unlawful”, stating that livestreams from several vessels were cut during the interception. No injuries were reported.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the interception and said that 145 passengers were brought to Israel for security processing.

freedom Flotilla coalition x thousand madleens to gaza conscience

At roughly 120nms away from Gaza, Israel has attacked our flotilla.
Currently at least two boats have been boarded and most livestreams have been disconnected. The military is trying to divert their route.… pic.twitter.com/xzxsus6hly

— Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumud) October 8, 2025

The ministry stated that all were “safe and in good health” and would be deported shortly. It described the mission as “a futile effort to violate the lawful naval blockade and enter a combat zone.”

The latest interception follows the boarding of a larger flotilla last week, when more than 40 boats carrying nearly 450 activists were stopped by Israeli forces while attempting to reach Gaza. Those on board included European lawmakers and Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

Israeli authorities said that 171 activists detained in that earlier operation were deported to Greece and Slovakia on Monday, while others were sent to Turkey, Spain, and Italy over the weekend.

The government rejected allegations of mistreatment made by some of the deported activists, including claims that Thunberg was “paraded like a trophy wrapped in an Israeli flag” and forced to kiss it. Officials dismissed those accounts as false.

The flotilla’s interception comes as the conflict in Gaza enters its third year. Peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Cairo, Egypt, while international demonstrations continue.

Protests were reported in several countries, including Turkey, Mexico, the United States, and Brazil, calling for an end to the war and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

References: Firstpost, newindianexpress

Source: Maritime Shipping News