Israeli naval forces intercepted and attacked an international aid flotilla bound for the besieged Gaza Strip, detaining more than 450 activists onboard, according to organizers on Thursday.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) announced on Instagram that 42 boats were “illegally intercepted” by Israeli forces, Anadolu Agency reported.
“Their passengers were unlawfully abducted,” GSF said. “The world is witnessing what happens when civilians challenge the blockade. However, the ship Marinette is still sailing.”
The International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza (ICBSG) confirmed that the Marinette continues its journey towards Gaza, though progress was delayed due to technical problems.
GSF reported that more than 450 activists from 47 countries were forcibly transferred to Ashdod Port in southern Israel. The passengers included nationals from Spain, Italy, Brazil, Türkiye, Greece, the United States, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, France, and many others.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry later said that the detained activists were being taken to Ashdod Port before being deported to Europe.
Earlier, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that the navy had seized 41 boats carrying about 400 participants in a 12-hour operation. All flotilla vessels were later towed to Ashdod Port.
GSF said Israeli forces surrounded the boats as they sailed towards Gaza to challenge Tel Aviv’s long-standing blockade. Activists also reported signal jamming and communication blackouts across most of the flotilla.
Several participants shared videos on social media showing Israeli navy boats approaching the convoy and ordering them to change course.
The flotilla, carrying mainly humanitarian aid and medical supplies, had set sail in late August. It marked the first time in several years that about 50 vessels had attempted to sail together towards Gaza, carrying hundreds of civilians in support of the mission.
Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza for nearly 18 years, restricting the movement of goods and people. In March, Tel Aviv further tightened restrictions by closing border crossings and blocking deliveries of food and medicine, pushing the enclave deeper into famine.
Since October 2023, Israeli bombardments have killed more than 66,200 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The United Nations and human rights groups have repeatedly warned that Gaza is becoming uninhabitable, with famine and disease spreading rapidly.
