Greta Thunberg, Others, Kidnapped from Sumud Flotilla, Send SOS

Gaza Aid Flotilla Intercepted by
Israeli Forces; Activists Arrested

Adam Fulton and Jose Olivares / The Guardian

(October 1, 2025) — Flotilla says it is ‘still sailing strong’ towards Gaza

The Gaza-bound aid flotilla said dozens of its ships were still “sailing strong” towards the Palestinian territory on Thursday despite the interception from Israeli naval forces.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said most of its vessels were continuing their journey as of early Thursday morning, nearing the coast of the Gaza strip despite the interruptions.

“30 boats still sailing strong on their way to Gaza, just 46 nautical miles away, despite the incessant aggressions from the Israeli occupation navy,” the flotilla posted on X with a time stamp of 3.20am local time (0020 GMT).

Agence France-Presse also quoted flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek as saying Israeli forces had intercepted 13 boats carrying around 200 people in total, including many from Spain and Italy.

But, he said in a video posted on Instagram, “our mission is going on”.

“They are determined,” he said of the remaining vessels. “They are motivated, and they are doing everything within their hands to be able to break the siege by this early morning.”

•  Report: Israeli naval forces board pro-Palestinian flotilla 120km from Gaza

•  Reaction: interception triggers protests, diplomatic expulsions and calls for strikes