Israeli naval forces have intercepted a large international flotilla en route to Gaza, detaining over 450 pro-Palestinian activists and seizing more than 42 vessels, according to Israeli officials and flotilla organizers. Among those detained are high-profile figures including Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, South African MP Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela and former Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmed.
The convoy, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, set sail in late August carrying humanitarian aid such as food and medical supplies. It was described by organizers as the largest aid flotilla in recent years to attempt to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
The Israeli military confirmed the flotilla was intercepted in international waters, roughly 80 nautical miles from the Gaza coast, and said the vessels were redirected to Ashdod Port in southern Israel. According to public broadcaster KAN, the operation lasted approximately 12 hours and involved the use of non-lethal crowd control measures.
[caption id="attachment_1135930" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
An Israeli navy vessel approaches Ashdod Port, southern Israel[/caption]
One vessel, the Marinette, was reported to still be en route as of Thursday evening, delayed due to technical issues.
The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza (ICBSG) accused Israeli forces of using water cannons, ramming vessels, forcibly boarding ships, and mistreating detainees — claims which have not been independently verified. Activists also reported communications were jammed during the operation.
The mass detention has sparked protests in cities across the globe, including London, Rome, Madrid, Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. Italian trade unions have announced a general strike set for Friday in response to the interception.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly condemned the operation and announced a formal investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the immediate release of his country’s nationals, including Mandela’s grandson.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said deportations of the detained are expected to begin early next week. Israeli authorities stated that all detainees would be deported to Europe “in accordance with international procedures.”
The flotilla included activists from over 45 countries, including Spain, Brazil, Türkiye, the United States, Sweden, and France. Organizers said the mission aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s longstanding blockade on Gaza, which they call illegal under international law.
Meanwhile, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said an additional convoy of 11 ships is currently en route to Gaza. Vessels flying Italian and French flags departed from Otranto on September 25, with others expected to join near Crete. Organizers said about 100 people are on board in this new effort, dubbed "Thousand Madleens to Gaza."
Israel maintains that its naval blockade is a security measure aimed at preventing weapons from reaching Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. Humanitarian organizations, however, argue that the blockade constitutes collective punishment and worsens living conditions for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
