On Thursday, October 2, 2025, Israeli authorities mobilized hundreds of police officers to the southern port of Ashdod. Their mission: to process approximately 450 international activists who had been detained by naval forces earlier that day in the Mediterranean Sea.
These activists, a diverse group that included several European lawmakers, were part of the “Global Sumud Flotilla.” This ambitious maritime effort aimed to break Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza. The interception of their vessels quickly ignited a firestorm of global condemnation and sparked protests across numerous countries.
Notably, the Global Sumud Flotilla represented the largest attempt yet to challenge the blockade. Its timing coincided with escalating international criticism regarding Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where extensive military operations have caused widespread destruction and resulted in the tragic deaths of tens of thousands.
Organizers of the flotilla had hoped that the sheer number of participating boats would overwhelm Israeli forces, making a full interception difficult. However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry declared the operation successfully concluded by Thursday afternoon.
To manage the influx of detainees, Israeli police released a video showcasing around 600 officers diligently working on Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Their task was to register the arrested activists in preparation for their eventual deportation.
Widespread Global Protests Erupt
News of the flotilla’s interception quickly spread, prompting thousands of supporters to take to the streets in major cities worldwide. Protesters voiced their outrage over the Israeli operation and the ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip. In a significant show of solidarity, Italy’s largest union announced a nationwide general strike for Friday, October 3, 2025.
While most demonstrations remained peaceful, tensions flared in Paris and Barcelona, Spain, where clashes between pro-Palestinian protesters and police were reported.
The flotilla, comprising over 40 boats and approximately 450 activists, carried a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid intended for Gaza. More importantly, its stated primary objective was to “break Israel’s illegal siege and end the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.” In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry denounced the flotilla as a “provocation,” reiterating that various countries had already offered to deliver aid. Israel continues to face intense scrutiny over the amount of aid permitted into Gaza and its distribution methods, while vehemently denying accusations of genocide.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded his country’s navy and soldiers for their actions on Yom Kippur, stating that their “important action prevented dozens of vessels from entering the war zone and repelled a campaign of delegitimization against Israel.” Flotilla organizers reported that at least 41 of their boats were intercepted or presumed to be. Israeli authorities later confirmed that only one vessel remained “at a distance,” poised for interception if it attempted to approach.
Activists had livestreamed their voyage from various boats, though most connections were lost once Israeli authorities began boarding their vessels in international waters on Wednesday evening.
A Prolonged Conflict and Enduring Blockade
The current conflict was ignited by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. Of these, 48 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with around 20 still alive.
In retaliation, Israel’s subsequent military campaign has claimed the lives of over 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, compiles figures considered reliable by experts and estimates that women and children account for roughly half of the casualties.
Israel has maintained a multifaceted blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control in 2007, asserting its necessity to contain the militant group. However, critics widely condemn this policy as a form of collective punishment against Palestinians in Gaza.
Following the outbreak of the war, Israel initially tightened the blockade, only to ease restrictions later under pressure from the United States. In March, the territory faced a complete shutdown of all food, medicine, and other essential goods for two and a half months, exacerbating Gaza’s descent into famine.
The flotilla’s organizers had articulated a clear goal: to establish a humanitarian corridor by sea, given the severely limited flow of aid reaching Gaza via land routes.
Prominent Activists and European Lawmakers Detained
During the operation, Israeli forces detained and removed dozens of individuals from the flotilla, including renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry subsequently released photos and videos of some of the detainees, assuring in a statement that they were “safe and in good health.” These individuals were expected to be transferred to Israel for deportation.
Earlier, live broadcasts from the activist boats depicted Israeli vessels approaching, deploying water cannons, and flashing bright lights before troops boarded the flotilla.
In anticipation of interception, activists, many wearing life jackets, had formed circles and raised their hands. Some managed to livestream the tense moments from their cellphones before discarding their devices into the sea.
International Outcry Over Interception
Nations including Turkey, Colombia, and Pakistan swiftly condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla.
European countries such as Italy, France, and Poland, which had previously cautioned activists against proceeding with the voyage to avoid confrontation, stated that they were working with Israeli diplomatic authorities to ensure the swift transfer and deportation of their citizens.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, a staunch ally of Israel, publicly criticized Italian unions on Thursday for their decision to call a general strike in solidarity with the flotilla. “I continue to believe that all this brings no benefit to the Palestinian people. On the other hand, I understand that it will bring a lot of problems to Italian citizens,” Meloni remarked to reporters during her arrival in Copenhagen for a summit.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement late Wednesday, characterizing the interceptions as an “act of terrorism” and a grave violation of international law.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry echoed these sentiments, labeling the detention of activists as part of Israel’s “ongoing aggression.” They further asserted that Israel’s blockade of Gaza had inflicted “immense suffering” upon more than 2 million Palestinians in the strip.
Israel consistently maintains that its actions constitute a lawful naval blockade essential for preventing Hamas from importing arms. Conversely, critics argue it serves as collective punishment for Palestinians in Gaza.
The military justification for the blockade remains a contentious issue. However, the flotilla participants emphasize their status as a civilian, unarmed group, arguing that the passage of humanitarian aid is unequivocally guaranteed under international law.
Late Wednesday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that his government would expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation and terminate a free trade agreement with Israel, a direct consequence of the flotilla’s interception. Two Colombian citizens were among the participants.
President Petro has been vocal in his repeated characterization of Israel’s siege of Gaza as an act of genocide, an accusation Israel vehemently disputes.