Israeli Navy intercepts Gaza aid flotilla, detains more than 450 activists

Israeli naval forces intercepted an international aid flotilla bound for Gaza on Thursday, detaining more than 450 activists and seizing more than 40 vessels, according to flotilla organisers and Israeli officials.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said on social media that 42 boats were intercepted and their passengers transferred to Ashdod Port in southern Israel. Activists came from more than 45 countries, including Spain, Italy, Brazil, Türkiye, Greece, the United States, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and France.

One ship, the Marinette, was reported to still be sailing, around 80 nautical miles from Gaza after delays caused by technical issues. Cameras broadcasting live showed armed Israeli personnel boarding vessels, with passengers wearing life vests and raising their hands. The Israeli Foreign Ministry later released video showing Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg seated on a deck surrounded by soldiers.

Israel confirmed that those detained would be deported to Europe in the coming days. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he expected deportations to begin early next week, while Turkish authorities said they had launched an investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens.

The interception triggered protests in several cities, including London, Madrid, Rome, Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. Italian unions announced a general strike for Friday in response. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the operation, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the release of South Africans on board, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela.

The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza (ICBSG) alleged Israeli naval forces used water cannons, ramming and forcible boarding, and mistreated detainees. These claims could not be independently verified. The flotilla organisers said their vessels were less than 80 nautical miles from Gaza when intercepted. Activists reported communications being jammed. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said the operation lasted around 12 hours, with all intercepted ships towed to Ashdod.

The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid such as medical supplies and food, set sail in late August. It was the largest convoy in years to attempt to reach Gaza, consisting of more than 40 civilian vessels with parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists on board.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said Thursday that 11 ships remain sailing toward Gaza to challenge Israel’s blockade. Two vessels flying Italian and French flags departed Otranto on 25 September, joined by the Conscience on 30 September, and are expected to link with the “Thousand Madleens to Gaza” convoy.

Around 100 people are on board the boats, currently off the coast of Crete, according to the FFC.

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