Jerusalem (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, detaining passengers, while activists claimed the seizure was illegal in international waters.
As reported by Sky News, Israel’s foreign ministry confirms it intercepted an activist flotilla trying to reach Gaza today.
Israel’s views on the Gaza-bound flotilla
Israel’s foreign ministry says it has stopped a flotilla attempting to reach Gaza by sea, with all boats and passengers redirected to an Israeli port.
The foreign ministry posted on X,
“Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly.”
Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly.
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 8, 2025
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition departed from Italy two weeks ago with nine boats, including Conscience, carrying around 100 activists.
Earlier this morning, the organisers of Conscience confirmed,
“Our vessel is currently under attack by an Israeli military helicopter, while the eight other sailboats are being illegally intercepted and hijacked.”
The development follows last week’s interception of 42 boats forming the Global Sumud Flotilla, Israel’s largest attempt to challenge the Gaza blockade. Most of the 479 activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, have been deported.
Flotilla’s views on Israeli forces stopping their ships
Activists shared footage on social media showing three of their boats intercepted just before dawn off the coast of Gaza.
The flotilla stated that Israeli troops “hijacked the humanitarian fleet,” adding
“ships were illegally intercepted… participants – humanitarians, doctors and journalists from across the world – have been taken against their will and are being held in unknown conditions.”
It added,
“The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters. Our flotilla poses no harm.”
What did Badr Abdelatty say about ending the Gaza war?
Gaza peace talks are ongoing in Egypt following US President Donald Trump’s peace plan.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told the Saudi channel Al-Arabiya that
“additional Arab countries will sign peace agreements with Israel if the war in Gaza comes to an end.”
He said Mr Trump is the main guarantor for the success of the talks in Egypt.
Mr. Abdelatty added that the ongoing negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh are focused on the first stage of the US plan, which includes ending the war and providing aid.
Donald Trump’s stance on ending the Gaza war
Donald Trump said the US is engaged in “very serious negotiations” with Israel and Hamas to end the conflict.
He stated,
“I think there’s a possibility we could have peace in the Middle East. Our team is over there now. Literally every country in the world has supported the plan. There’s a real chance we could do something.”
Mr Trump added,
“We are going to do everything possible. We have a lot of power, and we’re going to do everything possible to make sure everybody adheres to the deal.”
key figures in Egypt’s Gaza peace talks
- Steve Witkoff – US special envoy
- Jared Kushner – US, former senior adviser and Trump’s son-in-law
- Ron Dermer – Israel, strategic affairs minister
- Khalil al-Hayya – Hamas delegation leader
- Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani – Qatar, prime minister and foreign minister
Jan Egeland’s views on Gaza’s humanitarian access
Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, spoke to Sky News’ Leah Boleto today about the Egypt peace talks.
Referring to Gaza peace talks, he added,
“I think we’re very close to agree on a humanitarian deal for access over the crossing points with better, more efficient screening methods, with a green light for all of us, the organisations who are on the ground in Gaza, to come in at scale.”
Mr Egeland warned that a general ceasefire would be “much more difficult” to secure.
UN’s report on genocide in Gaza
Navi Pillay, chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, stated,
“The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza. It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.”
She added,
“The responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons who have orchestrated a genocidal campaign for almost two years now with the specific intent to destroy the Palestinian group in Gaza. The Commission also finds that Israel has failed to prevent and punish the commission of genocide, through failure to investigate genocidal acts and to prosecute alleged perpetrators.
When the Freedom Flotilla Coalition sailed from Italy to Gaza?
Two boats from Italy and France left Otranto on September 25, joined by Conscience around September 30. They formed an 11-ship flotilla heading to Gaza.
The convoy aimed to break Israel’s naval blockade with activists, medics, and journalists aboard. It carried more than $110,000 in aid for Gaza hospitals.
Israeli forces intercepted flotilla vessels near Gaza, arresting activists and blocking humanitarian aid for hospitals.
