The Israeli military said it intercepted the last boat in an aid flotilla attempting to reach blockaded Gaza on Friday, a day after detaining hundreds of activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, from other vessels in the convoy.
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said the boat Marinette was stopped about 42.5 nautical miles (79 km) from Gaza. Israeli army radio confirmed the navy had seized control of the vessel and was towing it to Ashdod port.
A live broadcast from the Marinette showed soldiers boarding the ship after passengers reported spotting a warship. A voice was heard ordering activists to remain still and raise their hands.
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The Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement that Israeli forces had now “illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels—each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.”
Israel confirms deportations
Israel’s foreign ministry said on Friday that four Italian nationals had already been deported, with the rest of the flotilla participants “in the process of being deported.” as reported in Reuters. It stressed that all detainees were “safe and in good health” and said the procedure would be completed quickly.
The flotilla, which set sail in late August, was the latest activist effort to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Israeli officials labelled the mission a political stunt and said the organisers had been warned they were entering an active combat zone in violation of a “lawful naval blockade.” Israel had offered to deliver aid to Gaza through official channels.
Global protests grow
The interception sparked demonstrations in cities across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Tens of thousands joined a general strike in Italy on Friday in solidarity with the flotilla. Protesters also gathered in Karachi, Buenos Aires and Mexico City, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans.
During a visit to Ashdod port on Thursday night, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the activists as “terrorists” in front of detainees. “These are the terrorists of the flotilla,” he said in Hebrew, according to video footage later confirmed by his spokesperson.
Some of the activists could be heard shouting “Free Palestine” as they sat on the ground.
Meanwhile, Cypriot officials said one flotilla boat had docked in Larnaca with 21 foreigners aboard after requesting fuel and humanitarian assistance. They did not confirm whether that vessel had been intercepted by Israel.
Wider war context
Israel’s interceptions come amid growing global criticism of its war in Gaza, which has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians since October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities. Israel launched its offensive after Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages during attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.
Israel denies allegations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, insisting its actions are in self-defence.
This week, Israel accepted a new U.S. proposal to end the war that requires Hamas to surrender. President Donald Trump said he would temporarily oversee Gaza’s governance under the plan and warned that Israel’s siege would continue if Hamas refused.
