The Israeli navy has intercepted a flotilla of vessels attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, sparking international condemnation. According to organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, around 20 boats were stopped, though some continue to sail.
Among the ships intercepted was the Greek vessel “Oxygen”, whose activists reported via the account marchtogaza_greece that the boarding constituted “an act of international piracy in violation of international law and maritime law.” The post added: “Our comrades are being abducted against their will and transferred to an unknown location. We demand the Greek government guarantee their immediate and safe return.”
Greek MP Petty Perka (New Left), who was aboard the Oxygen, shared a video before interception describing the approach of Israeli warships. “For a moment we believed that tomorrow we would reach Gaza to embrace the children waiting for us. Unfortunately, as expected, four miles ahead of the first boats, Israeli warships appeared,” she said.
The flotilla’s organisers claimed that the vessel Florida was deliberately rammed, while Yulara, Meteque and others were hit with water cannons. They stressed all passengers were safe. Among those detained was Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
French MEP Rima Hassan, of Palestinian descent, accused Israel of “illegal” and “arbitrary” arrests of hundreds of flotilla members. She was reportedly forced to throw her phone overboard during the raid.
The flotilla departed Spain in early September with around 45 vessels and hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from over 40 countries, including Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and Thunberg. Their declared aim: to break Gaza’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to a population facing “famine and genocide.”
The Turkish Foreign Ministry denounced the raid as a “terrorist act” that “blatantly violates international law,” accusing the Netanyahu government of “fascist and militaristic policies” extending beyond Palestinians to all who oppose Israeli actions. Ankara said it had launched diplomatic and legal measures for the release of Turkish citizens.
In Latin America, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomatic mission, calling the interception “an international crime” and condemning the arrest of two Colombians “in international waters.” Colombia had already severed ties with Israel in 2024.
The blockade of Gaza, imposed by Israel with Egyptian support since 2007, has long been a flashpoint for international criticism. Previous flotilla efforts, most notably in 2010, ended in deadly violence. This latest confrontation again raises questions over humanitarian access, maritime law, and the prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza.
