The Israeli military has intercepted and dismantled the final vessel of a large humanitarian flotilla attempting to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip, detaining hundreds of activists and journalists and sparking widespread international condemnation. The Polish-flagged Marinette, the last of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s vessels, was seized on Friday, October 3, 2025, marking the culmination of an operation that saw Israeli naval forces intercept dozens of boats over several days.
The Final Vessel Seized
The Marinette was intercepted approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast, bringing an end to the mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which had set sail with a stated goal of delivering symbolic humanitarian aid and challenging Israel’s long-standing maritime blockade. Livestream footage showed Israeli forces boarding the Marinette, which had been trailing behind the main fleet. Organizers reported that Israeli naval forces had illegally intercepted all 42 of their vessels, detaining approximately 450 to 500 individuals.
A Mission to Break the Blockade
The Global Sumud Flotilla was one of the largest attempts to reach Gaza by sea, comprising over 40 civilian vessels carrying hundreds of international volunteers, activists, lawmakers, and journalists. The flotilla’s mission was to establish a maritime corridor into Gaza and highlight the severe humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, which has been under a blockade for years. While Israel stated the flotilla was a provocation and that its vessels carried no humanitarian aid, the GSF maintained its commitment to a non-violent, humanitarian cause, arguing that delivering aid is protected under international law.
Prominent Figures Among Detainees
Among the hundreds detained were high-profile figures, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan. Reports indicate that over 20 foreign journalists were also on board, documenting the mission. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has strongly condemned the detention of these journalists, calling it a serious violation of the right to inform and be informed. RSF has demanded their immediate release, noting that media organizations have lost contact with their reporters.
Hunger Strike and Deportation Plans
In response to their detention, several activists have begun an open-ended hunger strike. Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced that it had already deported four Italian citizens and was preparing to deport the remaining activists, stating that all 461 detained individuals were safe and in good health. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir controversially suggested that the activists should be jailed for several months rather than deported.
Global Outcry and Legal Questions
The interception and detentions have triggered widespread global condemnation and protests in numerous cities worldwide. Several governments have voiced strong criticism. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa stated the action violated the sovereignty of the vessels’ flag states. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of Israeli diplomats and the termination of a free trade agreement with Israel, labeling the operation an “international crime.” Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry described the seizure as a “terrorist act.”
International organizations, including the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), have stated that attacking humanitarian vessels in international waters is illegal. The UN has previously condemned Israel’s blockade of Gaza as a contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law. The flotilla organizers accused Israel of jamming communications and boarding boats in international waters, which they deem an illegal operation.
Ongoing Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the blockade of Gaza, which has been a significant factor in the severe humanitarian crisis and risk of famine within the territory. Despite international pressure, Israel maintains its blockade, citing security concerns. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s attempt and its forceful interception represent a significant development in the continuing efforts to challenge this blockade, with repercussions now unfolding on the international stage. The news is trending globally, highlighting the persistent struggle for humanitarian access and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
