Global protest erupts after Israel seizes Gaza aid flotilla
Israel’s interception of a Gaza aid flotilla carrying more than 500 activists has sparked global protest, with rallies in London, Rome, Istanbul and beyond. Over 450 detainees are being held after Israeli forces boarded more than 40 civilian boats carrying food and medicine.
- Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla of over 40 boats headed to Gaza, detaining more than 450 activists from 44 countries.
- Protests erupted worldwide, with large gatherings in Rome, London, and other cities demanding the release of detainees.
- Israel defended the interception as a security measure, while organisers condemned it as a violation of humanitarian rights.
Israel faced widespread condemnation on 2 October, 2025, after its military intercepted over 40 boats in a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, detaining more than 450 foreign activists.
The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), carried about 500 participants, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists. Environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg was also among those on board, according to organisers.
Live footage from the vessels showed armed Israeli soldiers boarding ships in the early hours, with passengers in life vests raising their hands in surrender. Israeli officials said the mission violated security restrictions, while flotilla organisers described it as a peaceful humanitarian effort.
Protests in Europe and beyond
The interception triggered immediate demonstrations in several cities. In Italy, where a general strike had earlier supported the flotilla, thousands gathered in Rome and other cities. Protesters outside Rome’s Termini station chanted slogans calling for disruption in solidarity with those detained.
In London, pro-Palestine protesters rallied in Parliament Square, waving Palestinian flags and chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Speakers at the demonstration accused the British government of complicity in what they called Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza.
Similar rallies were reported in Istanbul, Athens, Buenos Aires, Berlin, and Madrid, underlining the international scale of the reaction.
Scale of the flotilla and detentions
According to the GSF, more than 40 boats had set sail from Barcelona in late August carrying medicine and food intended for Gaza. At least 44 countries were represented in the delegation, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Malaysia, Turkiye, and Colombia.
Activists said that some detainees were transferred to a large cargo ship before being taken ashore by Israeli forces. The Israeli military confirmed it had stopped the vessels but did not immediately release details about the activists’ conditions or when they might be freed.
International response and Israel’s defence
Several governments had sent surveillance drones or boats to track the flotilla as it approached Gaza, including Turkey, Spain, and Italy, to provide emergency assistance if needed.
Israel has repeatedly denounced such flotilla missions as “provocations” rather than humanitarian operations. Officials argued the flotilla represented a threat to its security and dismissed claims that the blockade of Gaza amounts to a violation of the Genocide Convention.
Israel is currently defending itself at the International Court of Justice against charges of genocide in Gaza, a case that has added to diplomatic pressure on the government.
Humanitarian and political significance
The high-profile nature of the voyage, with the participation of lawmakers and prominent activists, was intended to highlight opposition to Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza. Critics say the restrictions prevent vital supplies from reaching civilians.
Organisers described the flotilla as a “non-violent mission of solidarity” and said the detention of its volunteers would not deter further attempts to break the blockade.
