International Waters – On October 1, 2025, Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a convoy of vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, in international waters approximately 70 nautical miles from the Gaza Strip. Activists on board, including Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, reported being boarded and detained by Israeli troops. The GSF, comprising multiple ships like Alma, Sirius, and Adara, accused Israel of an “illegal boarding” and claimed drones had been harassing the fleet, dropping unidentified objects and hijacking radios to play music as a psychological tactic.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the interception, stating the flotilla violated Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, enforced since 2007 to prevent weapons smuggling by Hamas. “The vessels were offered to dock at Ashkelon Marina to unload cargo, but refused,” an IDF spokesperson said. The flotilla, organized by pro-Palestinian activists, aimed to deliver medical supplies and food, but Israel labeled it a “Hamas Flotilla” based on alleged ties to terrorist groups.
Thunberg, 22, was among those detained, with her team confirming her safety but condemning the action as an assault on humanitarian efforts. The incident, the first major flotilla confrontation since 2010’s Mavi Marmara raid that killed nine, has sparked international outrage, with the UN calling for restraint. The GSF reported 13 explosions near their vessels the previous day, though Israel denied involvement.
