By Harshit | October 2, 2025 | Ashdod, Israel | 1:00 PM EDT
Dozens of international activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, were detained by Israeli forces on Wednesday after a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was intercepted at sea. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), composed of more than 40 vessels and approximately 500 people, was stopped about 70 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast while sailing in international waters.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry described the interception as a necessary enforcement of a naval blockade, stating the boats were approaching “an active combat zone” and violating Israeli maritime law. Authorities added that all detained activists were being transferred to the port of Ashdod for deportation.
International Response and Condemnation
The flotilla’s interception sparked global criticism. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the actions as “contrary to international law,” arguing that Israel violated the sovereignty of nations whose flags were flown on the vessels. Turkey’s foreign ministry labeled the incident an “act of terrorism” and called for accountability.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro took diplomatic measures in response, expelling all Israeli diplomats from Colombia and terminating the country’s free trade agreement with Israel. Petro also demanded the release of two Colombian nationals aboard the flotilla.
European responses were mixed. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the flotilla, saying the effort would not benefit Palestinians. Meanwhile, demonstrations in Greece, Germany, Turkey, and Italy showed widespread public support for the detained activists. In Italy, the CGIL trade union confirmed it would back a general strike on Friday in solidarity with Gaza.
The UN also weighed in. Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on Israel to “urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible,” emphasizing the need for impartial humanitarian relief.
Conditions and Safety of Detained Activists
Israeli authorities released footage showing Greta Thunberg seated on a boat deck, being handed water and a jacket by a member of the Israeli military. Israel asserted that all detainees were “safe and healthy” and would be processed for deportation.
Governments of several countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, confirmed they were in contact with families of nationals on board. At least seven Irish citizens were reportedly detained, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews. The UK foreign office urged Israeli authorities to resolve the situation safely.
Background of the Flotilla
The GSF flotilla departed Spain a month ago, aiming to deliver aid directly to Gaza. Participants included European parliamentarians, lawyers, and climate and human rights activists. The initiative was framed as an attempt to circumvent restrictions imposed by Israel, which has blocked prior flotilla attempts in June and July.
Israel maintains that it aims to prevent supplies from falling into the hands of Hamas, a position supported by the United States. The Israeli government has promoted the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as an alternative distribution system, which the UN has criticized as “inherently unsafe.”
The situation in Gaza remains dire. According to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the territory is experiencing famine, which the UN attributes to systematic obstruction of aid by Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected these findings, calling them “outright lies.”
Perspectives from Activists
The flotilla’s participants have rejected Israeli characterizations of the vessels as a “selfie yacht.” Thunberg told the BBC on Sunday, “I don’t think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt.” Organizers of the flotilla have emphasized that the mission’s purpose is humanitarian, seeking to deliver critical food, medicine, and supplies directly to the civilian population in Gaza.
As international attention continues to focus on the interception, questions persist about the legality of Israel’s actions in international waters, the treatment of detained activists, and the prospects for safe humanitarian access to Gaza.
