Israeli forces yesterday intercepted and took control of nearly all vessels which were part of an international flotilla—one of the largest-ever aid missions attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza.
The 40 vessels which were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla were carrying food, medical supplies, and water filters, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the blockade on Gaza, which Israel has enforced since 2009.
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The operation was launched on the day of Yom Kippur—the holiest day of the year in Judaism—detaining nearly 150 activists, triggering widespread protests around the world. Hundreds of Israeli police officers had been deployed since last morning to the southern Israeli port of Ashdod to process activists detained at sea.
This was the largest flotilla of its kind, initially comprising over 40 boats and nearly 450 participants from more than 20 countries. The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the mission as a “provocation”, claiming the activists were driven more by publicity than by genuine humanitarian concern. Officials insisted that aid could be delivered via established land routes, accusing the group of having political motives.
How Israel intercepted the flotilla
Activists had hoped that the flotilla’s scale would render a full interception impossible. However, by yesterday afternoon, Israel declared the mission thwarted.
The flotilla had been livestreaming its journey until communications were lost during the boarding operations, which reportedly occurred in international waters.
Israeli naval vessels used bright lights and water cannons before boarding. In response, many participants donned life jackets and sat in circles with their hands raised in peaceful protest. Some managed to stream the encounter before discarding their phones into the sea to prevent confiscation.
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Among those detained were several high-profile figures, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, former mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau, European Parliament member Rima Hassan, and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. Israel later released photos of the detainees, saying they were in good health and would be deported.
Flotilla organisers condemned the operation, calling it an illegal attack on unarmed civilians in international waters. The interception sparked immediate outrage. Demonstrations erupted worldwide, with pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protesters blocking traffic and vandalising shops and restaurants in multiple cities.
Global condemnations and protests
Protests were reported in cities such as Rome, Istanbul and Athens. Rallies also took place in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Karachi.
In Bologna, demonstrators clashed with police near the central train station. Officers used batons to disperse protesters attempting to occupy the terminal while chanting “Free Palestine".
In response, Italy’s largest trade union called for a nationwide general strike on Friday. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the strike, warning it would harm Italian citizens more than it would aid Palestinians.
Protesters in Spain targeted multinational chains such as Starbucks, Burger King, and Carrefour, smashing windows and spray-painting anti-Israel slogans. Activists accused the companies of complicity in Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Governments across Europe and beyond responded swiftly. France, Italy and Poland confirmed they were in contact with Israeli authorities to ensure the safe return of their nationals.
Some, including France, had previously advised their citizens against joining the flotilla due to the risk of confrontation.
Turkey condemned the boarding as an “act of terrorism” and a violation of international law, while Pakistan labelled the detentions part of Israel’s “ongoing aggression” and blamed the blockade for Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of Israel’s diplomatic mission and the cancellation of a free trade agreement. Two Colombian citizens were among those detained. Petro accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel strongly denies. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also condemned the interception, demanding the immediate release of the eight Malaysians on board.
The significance of the flotilla
Supporters of the flotilla stressed that their mission was peaceful and primarily symbolic. While acknowledging they carried only small quantities of aid, they said their true objective was to draw attention to what they called an illegal siege and the devastating impact of the war on civilians.
The United Nations Human Rights Office said the flotilla’s interception amounts to an expansion of the blockade, which the UN considers unlawful.
“As the occupying power, Israel must ensure the supply of food and medical aid to the fullest extent possible, or agree to and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief delivered without delay or obstruction,” said spokesperson Thameen Al Kheetan.
Israel's response
Israel, meanwhile, argues that the naval blockade is imposed to stop weapons from reaching Gaza and that it does not violate international law.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the navy’s actions on Yom Kippur, stating: “Their important action prevented dozens of vessels from entering the war zone and repelled a campaign of delegitimisation against Israel.”
