Israeli Navy Seizes Last Humanitarian Vessel Bound for Gaza
The Israeli military intercepted the final vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla on Friday, marking the end of the latest international attempt to breach the naval blockade on Gaza. The boat, Marinette, was stopped approximately 42.5 nautical miles (79 km) from the Gaza coast. This followed the earlier detention of 450 activists aboard other ships in the flotilla, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Israeli army radio confirmed that the navy had boarded the last vessel, detained its occupants, and was directing it to Ashdod port. Organisers of the flotilla claimed all 42 vessels, carrying humanitarian aid and international volunteers, had now been “illegally intercepted” by Israel.
Footage from the Marinette showed passengers spotting a warship before soldiers boarded and ordered everyone to raise their hands. An Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson said the flotilla was warned it was entering an active combat zone and violating a “lawful naval blockade.”
The Israeli foreign ministry added that four Italian nationals have already been deported, with the rest in the process. “Israel is keen to end this procedure as quickly as possible,” the ministry said, noting that all participants were “safe and in good health.”
Ben-Gvir Labels Activists ‘Terrorists’ as Protests Erupt Worldwide
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Ashdod port Thursday night and called the intercepted flotilla participants “terrorists” while pointing to dozens of detainees. His remarks, caught on video, drew criticism as activists on the scene chanted “Free Palestine.”
Mass protests erupted globally in response to the flotilla’s interception. Demonstrations were held in European cities, Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. In Italy, tens of thousands participated in a general strike in solidarity with the flotilla.
Cyprus confirmed one of the boats docked in Larnaca for refuelling, carrying 21 foreigners. It remains unclear whether this vessel was part of the intercepted fleet.
The flotilla sailed in late August to challenge Israel’s siege on Gaza, which began after Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Since then, over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities, while Israel maintains its actions are in self-defence.
Israel has agreed to a new US-led ceasefire proposal. President Trump has offered to oversee interim governance in Gaza. Hamas has been given a few days to respond, or face continued Israeli military pressure.
