ACTiON ALERT: Israel Has Arrested
Journalists, Activists, and Humanitarians
DropSite News & Rights and Dissent

(October 2, 2025) — Representatives with the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of 40 boats with more than 500 activists from over 40 countries bringing life-saving aid to besieged Palestinians in Gaza, report that Israeli officials have illegally intercepted multiple vessels in international waters and abducted the people on board.

American journalist Alex Colston, reporting for DropSite News, was aboard the Sirius, one of at least four boats which Israel has reportedly intercepted and boarded. The live video feed for the Sirius was cut, and communications with Colston have gone dark; he is assumed to be in Israeli captivity.

Another U.S. citizen, co-coordinator of the Progressive International (PI) David Adler, was also on board the flotilla. After losing contact with Adler, PI posted a video made by Adler in the event of his violent interception by Israel. We worked with PI in the past to defend press freedom. Now we are calling for the freedom of Adler, Colston, and all those illegally kidnapped by Israel in the open seas.

The U.S. State Department can intervene to stop Israel’s rogue actions to enforce its illegal blockade. Write to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to demand the U.S. acts to secure the release of Americans and other activists on board, and to stop Israel from intercepting humanitarian vessels in international waters.

Israel cannot be allowed to break international law with total impunity. The U.S. should stand up for human rights, freedom of the press, and international law by calling on Israel to release the humanitarians they have detained at once and stop intervening in their mission to bring food and aid to Gaza.

ACTION: Tell Sec. Rubio that the American people want their government to stand up for its own citizens. The State Department must speak up for those abducted and demand Israel follow international law. At least four boats in the flotilla have been intercepted so far. The remaining vessels continue toward Gaza, despite Israel’s escalating aggression, threats, and intimidation. We’ll report on further developments as they come in. See DropSite’s live feed of the remaining boats here.

Stay loud, stay strong,
Sue, Chip, and Nathan, DropSite News