A video released by Israel’s foreign ministry, verified by Reuters, showed climate activist Greta Thunberg surrounded by Israeli soldiers on the deck of one of the seized boats. Israeli officials said Thunberg and the other passengers were “safe and healthy.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla, made up of more than 40 boats with roughly 500 participants, set out to deliver food and medicine to Gaza. Its mission quickly became a high-profile act of protest against Israel’s blockade, which has been in place since 2007.

Organizers accused Israeli forces of using “aggressive tactics,” including water cannons, and boarding the ships illegally in international waters roughly 70 nautical miles off Gaza. While no one was reported injured, activists said their communications were jammed and some claimed they were “abducted” against their will.

Despite the crackdown, flotilla organizers remain defiant, insisting their “non-violent humanitarian mission will continue undeterred.” By Thursday morning, the remaining 30 boats were reportedly 46 nautical miles from Gaza.

Global Diplomatic Fallout

The raid sparked swift diplomatic backlash.

• Turkey condemned the interception as an “act of terror” endangering civilians.

• Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomatic mission after two Colombian nationals were detained, calling the action a “new international crime” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also terminated Colombia’s free trade pact with Israel.

• Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim denounced the operation, confirming that eight Malaysians were detained. He accused Israel of showing “utter contempt” for both Palestinian rights and international conscience.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in Italy and Colombia. Italian unions even announced a general strike in solidarity with the flotilla. Several European nations, including Spain, Turkey, and Italy, had positioned boats and drones nearby to assist their nationals if needed.

Israel Defends Operation

Israel dismissed the flotilla as a political stunt rather than a genuine humanitarian effort. Jonathan Peled, Israel’s ambassador to Italy, argued that organizers refused to coordinate proper delivery of aid, proving their intent was “provocative” rather than charitable.

Israel has repeatedly blocked sea convoys to Gaza. The most infamous case was in 2010, when nine activists were killed during a raid on a pro-Palestinian flotilla. More recently, in June 2025, Israeli naval forces detained Greta Thunberg and other activists during another attempted voyage.

War Context

The interception comes as Gaza remains devastated by nearly two years of war following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Gaza health officials report over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s subsequent military campaign.

For activists aboard the flotilla, their mission is a symbolic stand against the blockade — and despite the risks, many insist they will not turn back.