Hundreds of Israeli police officers were deployed on Thursday (October 2, 2025) to the southern port city of Ashdod, where some 450 international activists were brought after being detained at sea. The activists, who included European lawmakers and prominent figures, were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla — the largest attempt yet to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Their vessels were intercepted overnight in the Mediterranean by Israeli naval forces, drawing widespread condemnation and sparking protests across multiple continents.
Largest flotilla intercepted amid Gaza war
According to Israeli authorities, the flotilla began with more than 40 boats carrying about 450 people and a symbolic cargo of humanitarian aid. Organisers said their mission was to “break Israel’s illegal siege and end the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.”
However, Israel dismissed the flotilla as a provocation, stressing that foreign governments have offered to deliver aid via official channels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Israeli navy for conducting the operation on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, saying it prevented a “delegitimisation campaign” against Israel.
Officials confirmed that at least 41 of the flotilla’s boats were intercepted in international waters, while one vessel remained at a distance under surveillance.
Police process detainees on Yom Kippur
The detainees were transferred to Ashdod, where Israeli police deployed about 600 officers to register them despite the holiday. The activists are expected to be deported in the coming days.
Videos released by authorities showed calm processing of detainees, while flotilla organisers accused Israel of using excessive force during the nighttime interceptions, including water cannons and blinding lights.
Among those detained were climate activist Greta Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. Israel said all detainees were in “good health.”
Worldwide protests erupt
News of the interception triggered demonstrations in several countries. Thousands rallied in European and Middle Eastern cities, demanding an end to the blockade. Italy’s largest trade union called for a one-day general strike on Friday in solidarity with Gaza.
While most marches were peaceful, clashes between police and pro-Palestinian protesters broke out in Paris and Barcelona. Turkish, Colombian, and Pakistani governments condemned the Israeli operation, with Turkey labelling it an “act of terrorism” and a breach of international law.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro escalated his criticism by announcing the expulsion of Israel’s diplomatic delegation and the termination of a free trade agreement.
Gaza war and longstanding blockade
The flotilla’s attempt comes against the backdrop of a war that began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which reports that about half of the casualties are women and children.
Israel has enforced varying degrees of blockade over Gaza since 2007, when Hamas took control of the territory. Supporters argue it is a necessary measure to prevent Hamas from importing weapons, while critics describe it as collective punishment for Gaza’s 2 million residents.
The flotilla organisers said they wanted to establish a humanitarian sea corridor, as land crossings had allowed only limited aid into the enclave.
Deepening international divisions
Reactions to the flotilla highlight widening global divides over Israel’s conduct in Gaza. While Turkey, Pakistan, and Colombia strongly condemned the operation, European governments largely urged calm, saying they were working with Israeli authorities to secure the safe return of their citizens. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni criticised domestic unions for their strike plan, calling it harmful to Italian citizens rather than helpful to Palestinians.
The interception underscores the fraught debate over Israel’s blockade, with critics pointing to humanitarian law and Israel insisting on its right to enforce a naval cordon to prevent arms shipments.
As protests continue and detainees face deportation, the flotilla episode has once again drawn global attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza — and to the wider battle over who controls its borders and destiny.