Israeli Navy Intercepts “Global Sumud” Aid Flotilla; Greta Thunberg Detained

On October 1, 2025, the “Global Sumud” aid flotilla attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli navy approximately 70–80 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza.

The flotilla consisted of 49 vessels carrying activists and humanitarian aid from 44 countries. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was on the first vessel boarded. Israel’s Foreign Ministry released footage showing Thunberg detained by Israeli forces, stating that “Greta and her companions are safe and healthy.”

Flotilla members reported that the Israeli navy carried out “aggressive actions,” including water cannon spraying and deliberate ramming of ships, though no passengers were injured. Israel maintained that multiple vessels from the “Hamas-Sumud fleet” were safely intercepted and that passengers were transferred to Israeli ports. They emphasized that the flotilla was warned it was entering an active conflict zone in violation of the legal blockade and offered to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza via secure channels.

The flotilla members insist that Israel’s naval blockade is illegal and said they will continue toward Gaza. They stressed that the mission aims to break the blockade and demonstrate international support for the people of Gaza. The flotilla is currently awaiting further processing in Israeli ports, and international attention on the incident continues.