Jerusalem (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Israel intercepted 14 humanitarian aid boats, prompting worldwide protests, as 23 additional flotilla vessels continue toward Gaza.
As reported by Reuters, flotilla organisers said Israeli forces blocked 14 boats carrying foreign aid. Twenty-three more vessels continue toward Gaza, organisers confirmed.
A video shows Greta Thunberg on a flotilla, highlighting the climate activist surrounded by soldiers.
Israeli Foreign Ministry’s views on Greta Thunberg
The Israeli foreign ministry stated,
“Several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”
What is the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying to Gaza?
The aid flotilla to Gaza, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, is carrying 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists.
The flotilla has shared several videos showing individuals holding passports, claiming they were taken to Israel against their will while stressing their mission is non-violent and humanitarian. It is the highest-profile effort challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
Organizers said the Israeli forces intercepted the Sirius, Alma, and Adara about 70 nautical miles off Gaza, with live updates.
The group, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, ex-Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and other European lawmakers, said it remains committed to bringing aid to Palestinians despite Israel’s blockade.
According to organizers, 19 of 43 boats were intercepted, while the remaining vessels continued toward Gaza.
A spokesman said,
“We have around 30 ships that are still fighting their way away from the military vessels of the occupation forces, trying to reach the shores of Gaza. They are determined, they are motivated.”
They said,
“Our vessels are being illegally intercepted. Cameras are offline and vessels have been boarded by military personnel. We are actively working to confirm the safety and status of all participants on board.”
How did Israel stop the flotilla attempting to reach Gaza?
The flotilla marks the latest sea-borne effort to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, a territory devastated by nearly two years of war.
The organizers denounced Israel’s actions as a war crime, citing the use of water cannons, though no one was harmed.
They added in a statement,
“Multiple vessels … were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli Occupation Forces in international waters.”
March to Gaza Greece, a member of the flotilla said,
“These are repeated acts of piracy in violation of international law and the law of the sea.”
They added,
“The Greek government has a responsibility to guarantee the safety of the crews and to take all necessary action to protect the Greek men and women on board.”
What did Greta Thunberg say before the Flotilla interception?
Speaking before the Israeli interception, Greta Thunberg added,
“Israel is not immune to international law; they must be held accountable for their war crimes. Stop the genocide, stop the occupation, and free Palestine.”
How are world leaders responding to Israel stopping the aid flotilla?
Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, said the Israeli action could take two to three hours. He said the flotilla vessels would be moved to Ashdod, with activists to be deported, and Israeli forces ordered to avoid violence.
Jonathan Peled, the Israeli ambassador to Italy, added,
“This systematic refusal (to hand over the aid) demonstrates that the objective is not humanitarian, but provocative.”
The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla, calling it an “act of terrorism” and a violation of international law. They added that it is taking action to secure the release of Turkish nationals and other passengers detained by Israeli forces.
Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s president, said he would expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation and terminate the free trade agreement if Israel intercepted the flotilla.
Mr Petro has repeatedly described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. He cut diplomatic ties in May 2024, prompting Ambassador Gali Dagan’s departure, though some consular staff remain.
Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s PM, condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla, saying eight Malaysians had been detained.
He added in a statement,
“By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world.”
How did activists react as Israeli forces approached the flotilla?
The vessels were sailing in international waters north of Egypt, entering an area activists called a “danger zone,” where Israel has previously stopped other boats.
After a tense encounter, they resumed their journey, with some activists livestreaming their voyage and showing messages of solidarity for Gaza. They also chanted “Free Palestine” in support of Gaza.
As activists detected approaching vessels, they put on life vests and livestreamed the Israeli forces before tossing their devices into the water.
How did Israel warn the flotilla and respond to alleged Hamas links?
Israeli forces warned the flotilla it was entering an “active combat zone,” the foreign ministry said. They also reiterated their offer to deliver the aid to Gaza through other channels.
The Israeli government alleged that some flotilla participants are connected to Hamas, providing minimal evidence. Flotilla activists rejected the claims, accusing Israel of seeking to justify potential attacks.
What did legal expert Omer Shatz say about humanitarian aid to Gaza?
Israeli law expert Omer Shatz, who co-litigated a prior flotilla case, said,
“international law paves a humanitarian road from the high seas to Gaza — both in international and national waters off Gaza.”
He added,
“If the basic needs of the population are not provided by the occupying power, there is a right to provide humanitarian aid, albeit under certain conditions.”
Navi Pillay’s stance on Israel and genocide in Gaza
Navi Pillay, chair of the UN commission said,
“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 stated,
“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.”
Ms Pillay stated,
“Israel has flagrantly disregarded the orders for provisional measures from the International Court of Justice and warnings from Member States, UN offices, human rights organisations and civil society groups, and continued the strategy of destruction of the Palestinians in Gaza,”
She added,
“The Commission finds that the Israeli authorities had no intention to change their course of actions. On the contrary, Israeli authorities have persisted and continued with their genocidal campaign in Gaza for almost two years now. Israel must immediately end the genocide in Gaza and comply fully with the orders for provisional measures of the International Court of Justice.”
Key facts about the Gaza-Israel war
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. By late September 2025, over 65,400 people had died in Gaza, likely more than reported.
The conflict has displaced most of Gaza’s population and destroyed much of its housing and infrastructure. UN agencies have warned of widespread starvation and a man-made famine.