Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla, Detains Greta Thunberg and Activists
The Israeli navy has intercepted multiple boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, detaining several activists aboard, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The flotilla, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), aimed to deliver food, medicine, and other essential supplies to Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that several vessels had been “safely stopped” and those aboard were being transferred to an Israeli port. Officials stated that the flotilla had been instructed to change course as they were approaching what the navy described as “an active combat zone.”
Despite this, early on Thursday, GSF reported that around 30 boats were still “sailing strong to Gaza,” positioned about 46 nautical miles from their destination. The group condemned the interception as “illegal” and “not an act of defence” but rather “a brazen act of desperation.”
GSF further alleged that one of the vessels was “deliberately rammed at sea,” while other boats were targeted with water cannons. “It clearly reveals the extreme lengths to which the occupier will go to ensure Gaza remains starved and isolated,” the group said on social media. They accused Israel of attacking a peaceful civilian mission, arguing that the success of humanitarian aid would expose the failure of the blockade.
Israel’s Position on the Interception
The Israeli Foreign Ministry maintained that the flotilla was violating a lawful naval blockade established off Gaza’s coast, though it is unclear whether the vessels had entered the restricted zone. Footage released by Israel shows Thunberg seated on a boat deck, being handed water and a jacket by a member of the Israeli military.
Live streams from the flotilla indicate that not all 44 vessels had been boarded or evacuated at the time of reporting. Israel described the flotilla’s attempt to transport aid as a “provocation” and reassured the public that “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”
GSF reported that several key ships—including the Alma, Surius, and Adara—had been intercepted and boarded. The group also accused the Israeli military of intentionally damaging ship communications to block distress signals and livestream coverage. At the time of the interception, the flotilla was approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza’s shoreline, with hopes of reaching their destination on Thursday morning.
Global Reactions and Protests
The interception has sparked protests across multiple countries, including Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey. Italian unions have called for a general strike on Friday in support of the flotilla, citing defense of constitutional values and solidarity with Gaza.
Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the move as an “act of terrorism” and called for accountability for those responsible. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled all remaining Israeli diplomats in protest, labeling the interception as an “international crime” and suspending Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel, which had been in place since 2020. Petro also demanded the release of two Colombian activists aboard the flotilla.
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris described the reports as “concerning” and emphasized that Israel must uphold international law. At least seven Irish citizens, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews, were among those detained.
A History of Blocked Aid
This is not the first time Israel has blocked aid attempts by activists. Two previous flotilla efforts in June and July were also prevented from reaching Gaza. While Israel has characterized the current mission as a “selfie yacht,” Thunberg has dismissed this criticism, telling the BBC, “I don’t think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt.”
International aid agencies have expressed concern over Israel’s restrictions, noting that humanitarian supplies are being severely limited. Israel claims that the measures are necessary to prevent aid from falling into the hands of Hamas. In response, the United States and Israel have supported an alternative distribution system, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which the UN has refused to cooperate with, calling the system unethical.
A UN-backed report last month confirmed that famine conditions exist in Gaza, which the UN’s humanitarian chief attributes directly to Israel’s “systematic obstruction” of aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected these claims, calling them an “outright lie.”
Diplomatic Reactions
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that Paris ensured “any possible boarding operation would take place under the best possible security conditions.” Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that Israel reassured them that no violence would be used against the 500 people on board, including French and Italian politicians.
Simon Harris of Ireland emphasized that all those aboard the flotilla should be treated in strict accordance with international law.
The Situation in Gaza
On the ground in Gaza, Israel has intensified its offensive on Gaza City as Hamas considers a response to a new US proposal to end the conflict. Arab and Turkish mediators are reportedly urging Hamas to accept the plan, though senior figures within the group have indicated they are likely to reject it.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a final warning to Gaza’s residents, urging evacuation southwards and stating that anyone remaining could be considered a “terrorist or supporter of terror.” The International Committee of the Red Cross stressed that, under international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected whether they choose to stay or leave Gaza City.
Humanitarian Stakes
The flotilla’s mission underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Aid agencies warn that without safe passage for food, medicine, and other essential supplies, the population faces worsening famine and health emergencies. The interception of the GSF highlights the complex intersection of military operations, international law, and humanitarian efforts.
For activists like Greta Thunberg, the mission is not only a humanitarian gesture but also a statement against global indifference to the suffering of civilians. As international scrutiny mounts, pressure is growing on all parties to allow aid to reach those in urgent need and to respect established laws protecting civilians in conflict zones.