Israeli naval forces boarded and seized the Greek vessel Oxygen on Wednesday, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The ship, carrying activists and supplies, was intercepted at sea before reaching the Palestinian enclave. In a statement shared on social media, organizers denounced the operation as “an act of international piracy and a violation of international maritime law.” They claimed passengers were “abducted against their will” and called on the Greek government to ensure their safe return.
Footage of the flotilla’s Oxygono ship was illegally intercepted and boarded in international waters. Israeli officers immediately took down the live stream. pic.twitter.com/s5b2HWwEvJ
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025
Dozens of Ships Still Sailing Toward Gaza
According to reports, 20 of the flotilla’s 44 ships have already been intercepted, with their passengers ordered to change course and transferred to an Israeli port. However, 24 other vessels continue toward Gaza despite repeated Israeli warnings.
A screengrab from a live stream video shows people in uniform aboard the Gaza-bound vessel Oxygono, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which flotilla organisers report has been intercepted, October 2, 2025. Global Sumud Flotilla/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Organizers described the raid as a “war crime,” alleging that Israeli forces used water cannons and aggressive tactics, though no injuries were reported. The flotilla said several ships’ communications were disrupted, including live video feeds.
By Thursday morning, 24 vessels reported being 46 nautical miles from Gaza, declaring on Telegram that they remained “undaunted.”
Deportation to Europe
Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced that passengers from intercepted ships are being transferred to Israeli ports and will be deported to Europe within days. Officials stressed that all passengers are “safe and healthy.”
A screengrab from a live stream video shows Israeli navy forces aboard the Gaza-bound vessel Captain Nikos, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which flotilla organisers report has been intercepted, October 2, 2025. Global Sumud Flotilla/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
International Reactions
The flotilla, one of the most high-profile attempts to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza since 2007, drew strong international responses.
- Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned the operation as a “terrorist act” endangering civilians.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s entire diplomatic mission after two Colombian nationals aboard were detained. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing a “new international crime” and ended Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel.
- Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim denounced Israel’s actions, stating that eight Malaysians were detained. “By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel shows utter contempt not only for Palestinian rights but also for the conscience of the world,” he said.
The incident also sparked protests in Italy and Colombia, with Italian trade unions calling for a general strike on Friday in solidarity with the flotilla.
A screengrab from a live stream video shows Israeli navy forces aboard the Gaza-bound vessel Oxygono, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which flotilla organisers report has been intercepted, October 2, 2025. Global Sumud Flotilla/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Israel Defends Its Blockade
Israeli officials maintain that the flotilla is a political provocation rather than a humanitarian effort. “This systematic refusal to hand over aid through proper channels proves the goal is not humanitarian but provocative,” said Jonathan Peled, Israel’s ambassador to Italy.
Israel, which has enforced a naval blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized control in 2007, said it had warned the flotilla it was approaching an active war zone. Authorities insisted humanitarian supplies could be delivered safely through designated Israeli-controlled channels.
