The Israeli Foreign Ministry on Thursday, October 2, announced that the Global Sumud Flotilla “over”, saying none of its vessels had succeeded in breaching the naval blockade of Gaza.
In a statement, the ministry said the boats had failed in what it called a “provocation” and none had entered what Israel described as an “active combat zone.” It added that all passengers were “safe and in good health” and were being taken to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe would begin.
The ministry said one vessel remained at sea but would be prevented from reaching Gaza if it attempted to approach the coast.
Flotilla organisers said Israeli forces launched an assault under the cover of darkness late on Wednesday, October 1. They said unarmed civilians carrying humanitarian aid were subjected to intimidation and interception in the “final hours of their peaceful mission to Gaza.”
“For more than 14 hours, heavily armed Israeli forces intercepted flotilla vessels,” the organisers said in a statement. “Our spirits are not broken and our resolve is only strengthened. We will no longer allow these actions to continue with impunity. We will hold the line.”
Amnesty urges release of detainees
Amnesty International described Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla as a “calculated act of intimidation” aimed at punishing and silencing critics of its actions in Gaza.
In a statement on Thursday, Secretary General Agnès Callamard said the seizure and detention of flotilla participants amounted to “a brazen assault against solidarity activists engaged in an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission.”
She noted that the flotilla had faced weeks of threats and incitement from Israeli officials, as well as reported attempts to sabotage several of its vessels before departure. Callamard called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.
“The very fact that they had to set sail in the first place is a clear indictment of the international community’s persistent failure to end Israel’s ongoing genocide and to ensure the unhindered flow of aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” she said.
Activists face immigration proceedings without lawyers, says legal center
The legal centre Adalah reported on Thursday that immigration hearings for detainees from the Global Sumud Flotilla are being conducted without lawyers present.
According to the group, participants called to say that Israeli immigration officials had already started processing deportation and detention orders at Ashdod port. These hearings, Adalah said, were carried out without notifying defence lawyers and while preventing the detainees from consulting legal counsel.
The organisation described the move as a “serious breach of due process” and said it would continue pressing for access and take further legal steps if required.
Qatar calls for immediate release of all flotilla detainees
The State of Qatar also strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law” and a threat to maritime safety and freedom of navigation.
Doha urged the immediate release of all flotilla participants and demanded an urgent investigation into the incident.
“The Ministry urges that those responsible be held accountable,” the statement said, adding that the international community must take decisive action against Israel’s “continued violations of international humanitarian law.”
Qatar also stressed the importance of ensuring the safe, unimpeded, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip.
Flotilla statement on interceptions and detainees
In a detailed press release, the Global Sumud Flotilla accused Israel of “illegal abduction” of hundreds of volunteers from 47 countries.
The group said detainees were taken aboard the MSC Johannesburg after being assaulted with water cannons, sprayed with skunk water, and having their communications jammed.
Adalah lawyers, who represent flotilla participants in Israel, said they had been given minimal updates about the 443 detainees, who are expected to be processed at Ashdod.
“Intercepting humanitarian vessels in international waters is a war crime,” the statement said. “Every act of repression against our flotilla only strengthens our resolve.”
The flotilla also reported:
- The Mikeno may have reached Palestinian waters but remains out of contact.
- The Marinette was still transmitting via Starlink, carrying six passengers.
- 21 confirmed intercepted: including Free Willy, Captain Nikos, Florida, All In, Morgana, Otaria, Aurora, Deir Yassine, Spectre, Adara and Alma.
- 19 assumed intercepted: including MiaMia, Vangelis, Inana, Maria, Amsterdam, Alakatalla, Catalina, Estrella and Fair Lady
Turkish ships sailing to support Global Sumud Flotilla
Videos circulating on social media claim that more than 45 Turkish civilian vessels are sailing toward Gaza in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla after Israel’s interceptions. The footage shows yachts carrying Turkish flags, but the reports have not yet been independently verified.
Tracker status
The flotilla’s live tracker showed on Thursday afternoon:
- 44 total vessels
- 21 intercepted
- 19 assumed intercepted
- 4 still sailing — including Mikeno, Marinette, and two legal support boats, Shireen and Summertime-Jong.
The tracker has fluctuated during the day but returned to this same breakdown after earlier updates.
Four flotilla vessels still at sea
According to tracker data, four vessels remain in operation: Mikeno and Marinette, along with two legal support boats, Summertime-Jong and Shireen.
Mikeno became the first vessel of the flotilla to enter Gaza’s territorial waters early Thursday, though later the tracker showed it had stopped. Marinette continued sailing without interruption.
According to the flotilla’s live tracker, out of 44 vessels — 21 intercepted, 19 assumed intercepted, and four still sailing:
- Mikeno
- Marinette
- Shireen (Legal Support)
- Summertime-Jong (Legal Support)
Global Sumud Flotilla – Vessel Status
| No. | Vessel | Origin/Name | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adagio | Beit Hanoun | Assumed Intercepted |
| 2 | Adara | Beit Lahia | Intercepted |
| 3 | Ahed Tamimi | – | Assumed Intercepted |
| 4 | All In | Khan Yunis | Intercepted |
| 5 | Allakatalla | Rafah | Assumed Intercepted |
| 6 | Alma | Deir al-Balah | Intercepted |
| 7 | Amsterdam | Al Tantura | Assumed Intercepted |
| 8 | Aurora | Heidi sails to Gaza | Intercepted |
| 9 | Australe | – | Assumed Intercepted |
| 10 | Captain Nikos | Akka | Intercepted |
| 11 | Catalina | Al Khalil | Assumed Intercepted |
| 12 | Dir yassine (Mali) | Deir Yassine | Intercepted |
| 13 | Estrella Y Manuel | Al Lydd | Assumed Intercepted |
| 14 | Fair Lady | Al Quds | Assumed Intercepted |
| 15 | Florida | Anas al Sharif | Intercepted |
| 16 | Free Willy | Tala – Gaza City | Intercepted |
| 17 | Grande Blu | Ariha | Intercepted |
| 18 | Hio | Beit Lahm | Intercepted |
| 19 | Huga | Haifa | Intercepted |
| 20 | Inana | Jenin | Assumed Intercepted |
| 21 | Jeannot III | Nablus | Intercepted |
| 22 | Karma | Yafa | Intercepted |
| 23 | Mango | Hind – Tel al Hawa, Gaza | Assumed Intercepted |
| 24 | Maria Cristina | Tulkarem | Assumed Intercepted |
| 25 | Marinette | Safad | Sailing |
| 26 | Meteque | Qalqilya | Assumed Intercepted |
| 27 | MiaMia | Beit Sahur | Assumed Intercepted |
| 28 | Mikeno | Al Bireh | Sailing (Reached Gaza) |
| 29 | Mohammad Bhar | – | Intercepted |
| 30 | Morgana | Nuseirat | Intercepted |
| 31 | Ohwayla | Al Sawafir | Assumed Intercepted |
| 32 | Otaria | Bir al Sabe’ | Intercepted |
| 33 | Oxygono | Osdood | Intercepted |
| 34 | Paola I | Tabariyya | Assumed Intercepted |
| 35 | Pavlos Fyssas | Tantura | Assumed Intercepted |
| 36 | Selvaggia | Beisan | Assumed Intercepted |
| 37 | Seulle | Kaysariyah | Intercepted |
| 38 | Shireen | Legal Support | Sailing |
| 39 | Sirius | Askalan | Intercepted |
| 40 | Spectre | Tabariya | Intercepted |
| 41 | Summertime – Jong | Al Shajarah | Sailing |
| 42 | Vangelis Pissias | – | Assumed Intercepted |
| 43 | Wahoo | Sham – Jabaliya, Gaza | Assumed Intercepted |
| 44 | Yulara | Yata | Intercepted |
Initial list of flotilla detainees
The following activists and political figures were reported among those seized by the Israeli navy from the Global Sumud Flotilla:
- Greta Thunberg – climate activist
- Mandla Mandela – grandson of Nelson Mandela
- Luizianne Lins – congresswoman
- Mushtaq Ahmad Khan – former senator
- Manuela Bedoya – activist
- Luna Barreto – activist
- Bruno Gilga – union leader
- Zizi Kirana – singer
- Farah Lee – influencer
- Heliza & Hazwani Helmi – activists
- Thiago Avila – organiser
- Enissa Amani – comedian and activist
- Ada Colau – former Mayor of Barcelona
- Gustaf Skarsgard – actor
- Arlin Medrano and five others
- Chris Andrews – senator
- Jasmine Ikeda – activist
- Nestor Prieto – journalist
- Rima Hassan – Member of the European Parliament
Palestine condemns Israeli interception
Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday condemning what it described as Israel’s “attack and aggression” against the GSF, calling it a violation of international law, including the Convention on the Law of the Sea, humanitarian principles, and the rights of participants.
The ministry said it was “gravely concerned about the safety of the more than 470 participants” and held Israel responsible for their security and wellbeing as they attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
It stressed that the Global Sumud Flotilla is a peaceful civilian initiative aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza and ending what it called Israel’s “starvation policy and genocide.”
The statement reiterated that Israel, whose occupation of Palestine has been declared illegal by the International Court of Justice, has no authority over Palestine’s territorial waters or international waters. It said the flotilla had the right of free passage under international law and was equally entitled to enter Palestine’s waters to deliver aid.
The ministry commended the participants’ determination and urged the international community to extend them protection.
Flotilla detainees making their way to Israel
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that passengers detained from the flotilla are being transported “safely and peacefully” to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe will begin.
The ministry said the detainees are “in good health” following Israeli naval operations at sea.
About 30 flotilla vessels evade Israeli forces, 46 nm from Gaza
Earlier on Thursday, organisers reported that around 30 boats had managed to bypass Israeli naval patrols and were sailing within 46 nautical miles of Gaza.
That statement followed the boarding of 13 flotilla vessels by Israeli forces in international waters. Several participants were detained in the operation, among them Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Earlier, the flotilla reported that at least two vessels — Meteque and a yacht named All In — had defied Israeli orders to halt and were pressing forward toward the enclave.
Israeli forces detain more than 200 people from 37 countries
Global Sumud Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek said in a mission update that Israeli forces had intercepted 13 boats, detaining more than 201 people from 37 countries.
Those on board included 30 participants from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Turkey, and 12 from Malaysia, among others.
Abukeshek stressed that the flotilla’s mission “is going on” despite the arrests.
“We have around 30 ships that are still fighting their way away from the military vessels of the occupation forces trying to reach to the shores of Gaza. They are determined. They are motivated, and they are doing everything within their hand to be able to break this [siege] by early morning and to arrive together,” he said.
French MEP on board vows to continue
French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, aboard one of the flotilla vessels reported to be closest to Gaza, issued a defiant message:
“We will not give up until the last seconds of freedom!”
Colombia’s President Petro condemns attack on flotilla, expels Israeli diplomats
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of Israel’s entire diplomatic delegation following the interception of Gaza flotilla activists, including two Colombian nationals.
In a post on X, Petro said a free trade agreement between Colombia and Israel had been “denounced immediately” in response to what he called “a new international crime by Benjamin Netanyahu.”
“Here Netanyahu demonstrates his worldwide hypocrisy and why he is a worldwide criminal who must be captured,” Petro wrote in a separate post.Petro also said the Colombian Foreign Ministry planned to file lawsuits against Israel and urged international lawyers to support the effort.
Greta Thunberg among detained activists
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is among those taken by Israeli forces after the interception of flotilla vessels.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on X that “several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port,” adding: “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”
The ministry also shared a video showing Thunberg being escorted away. Israel has provided no substantive evidence to support its claim that the flotilla is linked to Hamas.
Activists, however, described the raid as “illegal” and “piracy,” stressing the flotilla was carrying food, medical supplies, water filters and baby formula to Gaza.
Tracker status: which vessels are intercepted
According to the flotilla’s live tracker, at least three vessels have been confirmed intercepted as of 1 October 19:21 UTC:
- Adara (Beit Lahia) – Intercepted
- Alma (Deir al-Balah) – Intercepted
- Sirius (Asqalan) – Intercepted
The remaining vessels — including Adagio, Ahed Tamimi, All In, Aurora, Free Willy, Inana, and others — were still marked as sailing at last update. Two vessels (Shireen and Summertime-Jong) were listed under legal support.
Interception confirmed
The flotilla had earlier declared a “high alert,” saying its vessels were being “illegally intercepted” by Israeli forces.
“Cameras are offline and vessels have been boarded by military personnel. We are actively working to confirm the safety and status of all participants on board,” the organisers said in a statement released at 21:34 GMT+3 on October 1.
Flotilla responds: “Our mission is peaceful”
In response to Israeli threats broadcast over radio, flotilla member Thiago Ávila reaffirmed that the mission was legal and humanitarian.
“We are a peaceful, nonviolent humanitarian mission. Our journey is legal under international law, and any attempt to obstruct us is not,” Ávila said.
He added, “We carry food, aid, water filters, crutches, baby formula, to people you have been starving to death. The world is watching, and those responsible for hostile actions will be held accountable.
Flotilla releases video statement
The Global Sumud Flotilla released video showing a response from Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila to Israeli warnings over radio.
“You say that we are entering an active war zone, you are saying that we are entering a place where you are committing war crimes,” Ávila said. “This is against international law. Once again, the International Court of Justice made a provisional ruling that any attempt to hinder a humanitarian mission to Gaza is prohibited by international law and [the flotilla] is complying with the request to make you accountable for the crime of genocide.”
“It is our moral duty to refuse any attempt of an occupying force to control humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in Gaza who have… the right to control their own borders,” he added. “Therefore we do not recognise you as a legitimate agent to bring aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
Alma boat intercepted
Flotilla members earlier reported that the Alma, one of the lead vessels, was being boarded by Israeli forces.“This is against international law. This is against our will — we are being kidnapped,” the activists said.
Israel confirms interception
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed late on Wednesday that its navy had reached the Global Sumud Flotilla and “asked them to change course.”
It repeated earlier allegations that the flotilla was about “provocation” rather than aid, saying, “Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade. Israel reiterated the offer to transfer any aid peacefully through safe channels to Gaza.”
In a post on X, the ministry added, “The sole purpose of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla is provocation. Israel, Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have all offered and continue to offer the flotilla a way to peacefully deliver any aid they might have to Gaza. The flotilla refused because they are not interested in aid, but in provocation. The Israeli Navy has reached out to the Hamas-Sumud flotilla and asked them to change course.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed late on Wednesday that its navy had reached the Global Sumud Flotilla and “asked them to change course.”
Live video feeds from the Alma, one of the lead ships, appeared to show activists on deck during the confrontation as Israeli naval boats approached.
Connection cut with several flotilla vessels
Earlier, Al Jazeera Mubasher reported that communication had been lost with several ships in the convoy after they were besieged by Israeli naval boats. The channel said it had also lost contact with its correspondent Hayat Yamani, who was on board the Sirius.
Many of the live feeds from the flotilla have now been cut as suspected Israeli boats surround the convoy attempting to break the blockade on Gaza. Al Jazeera Mubasher said it had also lost contact with its correspondent Hayat Yamani, who is on board the Sirius, one of the participating vessels.
Israeli vessels surrounding the Alma
Flotilla steering committee member Yasemin Acar confirmed that Israeli naval vessels had closed in on the Alma, one of the lead ships.“
The IOF is now surrounding the Alma vessel on both sides of the boat. They are close. We are getting into position and ready to be intercepted,” Acar said.
Unidentified vessels detected ahead of flotilla
Earlier, the flotilla reported detecting more than 20 unidentified vessels on its radar, just three nautical miles ahead of the fleet. The alert, issued at 20:20 GMT+3 on October 1, raised fears of a potential naval blockade.
“Our radar is currently tracking 20+ unidentified vessels ahead of the fleet. At the current pace, we would reach their position in about 30 minutes if they do not move,” the organisers said.
They added that while the identity of the vessels remains unconfirmed, “this situation raises concerns of a potential naval blockade.” In a separate message, the coalition stressed, “We will not be intimidated by threats, harassment, or efforts to protect Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.”
Testimony from on board
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila sent a voice message from his vessel a short while ago.
“We are arriving at a decisive moment of our mission,” Ávila said. “Right now, we are moving closer to what seems to be their [Israel’s] military blockade.”
“There is a huge concentration of vessels, and it matches the stated plans from the Israeli foreign ministry and the media consensus about what would happen tonight, and their stated plan of intercepting illegally our mission to break the siege and to create a humanitarian corridor,” he added, stressing that flotilla members should remain non-violent even if attacked.
Red alert of possible interception
The flotilla issued a “red alert,” warning that an interception could happen “within the hour.” The group reported a cluster of around 12 unidentified vessels located 5–15 nautical miles away, with some of its boats experiencing signal jamming and loss of contact.
Lead vessels including the Alma, Aurora, All In, Meteque, Free Willy and Adara were said to be heading toward what appeared to be a “military blockade.”
“Those aboard are estimating a possible illegal interception by Israel within the hour,” the organisers said, citing radar tracking data.
Final approach to Gaza
Earlier on Wednesday, the flotilla confirmed it had entered the R3 “High-Risk Zone” and was on course to dock at Gaza Port by 11:58 AM UTC on October 2 (4:58 PM Gaza time).
“We are almost there. Every hour counts. Keep your eyes locked on our position,” the organisers wrote, urging international supporters to follow the journey live and press their governments to safeguard the mission.
Less than 90 nautical miles from Gaza
The ships have crossed into the R3 “High-Risk Zone” and are now sailing less than 90 nautical miles from Gaza, according to the Sumud Nusantara Tracker.
Earlier, the coalition reported that participants remained calm overnight despite intimidation attempts by the Israeli military. Reconnaissance drones were spotted flying over the vessels, but safety procedures were followed and all crew members were reported safe.
“Our resilience and commitment carried us through the darkness. Far from deterring us, these threats have strengthened our determination to continue,” the organisers said, adding that the mission sails on “with renewed resolve to break the siege, deliver aid, and uphold our mission of non-violent solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
The organisers noted that the flotilla has now sailed beyond the point where the vessel Madleen and Handala was previously intercepted by Israeli forces, though they stressed the need for vigilance as the mission advances closer to Gaza.
According to reports, reconnaissance drones were spotted flying at medium altitudes over the fleet’s vessels as the ships pressed forward. Activists on board the Alma reportedly threw their phones into the sea in accordance with protocol, which requires such action once a vessel is confirmed to have been intercepted.
Supporters worldwide have been urged to follow the journey live and call on their governments to safeguard the humanitarian mission.
At dawn on Wednesday, organisers reported that Israeli naval vessels circled the flotilla’s lead boats, Alma and Sirius, for several minutes, disabling communications and forcing evasive manoeuvres to avoid collision. Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila said on X that the ships’ communication systems were damaged, though no injuries occurred.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include the latest statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla on its final approach to Gaza.
