Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla as 13 Humanitarian Boats Seized, 30 Continue Toward Blockaded Strip

Israeli forces intercepted 13 boats carrying international activists and humanitarian aid destined for Gaza, while 30 other vessels continued their journey toward the besieged territory. The flotilla, organized by a coalition of global activists, included more than 40 civilian boats carrying approximately 500 individuals such as parliamentarians, lawyers, and human rights advocates. Their stated objective was to deliver medicine and food to Gaza as part of a peaceful humanitarian mission.

Among the intercepted individuals was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, seen in a video released by Israel’s foreign ministry and verified by international media. The ministry confirmed that Thunberg and other activists were safe after several vessels were redirected to an Israeli port. Israel referred to the convoy as the “Hamas-Sumud flotilla,” framing it as part of a political provocation rather than a humanitarian effort.

Organizers released footage on social media showing passengers holding up their passports and accusing Israeli forces of abducting them and forcibly transferring them to Israeli territory. They condemned the operation as a violation of international law, alleging that water cannons were used, communication systems were jammed, and the interceptions took place in international waters. Despite the detentions, tracking data indicated that 30 boats remained en route, approximately 46 nautical miles from Gaza at last report.

The flotilla has emerged as a significant challenge to Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007. Several countries responded strongly to the incident. Turkey, Spain, and Italy sent boats or drones to monitor the safety of their nationals, with Turkey condemning the interception as an act of terror. In response to the detention of two Colombian citizens, President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomatic mission and cancelled a bilateral free trade agreement, describing the arrests as a breach of international norms. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reported that eight Malaysians were among those detained, accusing Israel of displaying disregard for international humanitarian principles.

Public demonstrations erupted in Italy and Colombia, where major unions announced strikes in protest against the raid and in solidarity with the flotilla participants. Israel defended its actions, stating that it had warned the flotilla in advance that they were entering an active conflict zone and violating a legal maritime blockade. The confrontation echoes earlier high-profile maritime incidents, including the deadly 2010 raid on the Mavi Marmara and a similar episode in June 2025 involving Thunberg and other activists attempting to reach Gaza by sea.