Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla, Detains Greta Thunberg, 500 Activists [WATCH]

Israeli naval forces intercepted a flotilla of boats attempting to break the blockade of Gaza on Wednesday, detaining hundreds of activists including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The interception took place in international waters less than 100 miles from Gaza after Israeli authorities said the vessels ignored repeated orders to change course. Organizers said the flotilla was carrying approximately 500 activists on 40 boats, along with shipments of food and medicine.

INTERCEPTION
Israeli forces have illegally boarded the Flotilla’s vessel Oxygono and others in international waters. Livestreams and communication are down, and the status of those on board is unknown. Governments must demand their safety and release. pic.twitter.com/GEPMQJQz00

— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025

BREAKING: The Global Sumud Flotilla is being intercepted by the Israeli navy.

So close to Gaza, yet so far.

The criminal entity will not allow a single vessel to reach the starving. Even mercy is blockaded.

A state so terrified of compassion it blockades bread & medicine.… pic.twitter.com/bMduEvJe8j

— Hala Jaber (@HalaJaber) October 1, 2025

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According to The Telegraph, Thunberg was aboard a vessel named Alma, one of the first to be boarded by Israeli forces. Video from the scene showed activists donning life vests and sitting in a circle on deck while waiting for the interception.

Already 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. pic.twitter.com/PA1ezier9s

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 1, 2025

The global sumud flotilla is being intercepted by the Israeli occupation forces in international waters. Pressure your government for the protection of global sumud flotilla pic.twitter.com/FKyhkWhs3K

— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 1, 2025

The flotilla originally departed from Barcelona in August with plans to reach Gaza. Organizers reported that as the ships approached their destination, they encountered jamming of their communication signals and warnings from the Israeli navy to divert to Ashdod, an Israeli port.

Officials told the group that delivering aid directly to Gaza violated an established naval blockade.

“The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona in August, had hoped to deliver food and medicine to the enclave, which is under a naval blockade,” The Telegraph reported.

Israeli naval officials confirmed that the flotilla had been warned multiple times before the boarding. Activists were told they were attempting to enter an active combat zone and were violating international maritime restrictions.

The Israeli government offered to allow the delivery of the aid through Ashdod instead.

Reports indicate that nearly 20 Israeli warships surrounded the flotilla before the boarding operations began. Spanish and Italian navy ships that initially escorted the flotilla reportedly withdrew days earlier to avoid direct conflict with Israel.

Global protests erupted following news of the interception, with demonstrations taking place in several European capitals and in the Middle East.

BREAKING: Protests Across the World in Solidarity with the GLOBAL SUMUD FLOTILLA pic.twitter.com/xWJDC31zPT

— Khalissee (@Kahlissee) October 2, 2025

Activists accused Israel of blocking humanitarian aid, while Israeli officials maintained that the blockade is a security measure against weapons smuggling into Gaza.

The detained activists, including Thunberg, are expected to be processed by Israeli authorities in the coming days. It is not yet clear how many of the 40 vessels were boarded or how many of the 500 participants will face charges.

The Israeli government has not yet released detailed statements on the detention procedures but confirmed that the aid shipments would be inspected and could be redirected through official humanitarian channels.

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