Israel intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza
Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla about 70 nautical miles off Gaza, detaining activists and seizing several boats. The flotilla said Alma, Adara, and Sirius were captured after signals were cut. Israel called it a “lawful naval blockade,” while Al Jazeera reported at least six boats had been intercepted.
- Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla about 70 nautical miles off Gaza, detaining activists and seizing boats.
- The flotilla reported that Alma, Adara, and Sirius were captured after signals were cut and vessels shadowed.
- Israel said the flotilla tried to breach a “lawful naval blockade,” while Al Jazeera reported at least six boats had been intercepted.
Israel has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian aid mission that set sail to challenge the blockade of Gaza, detaining activists and seizing several boats.
Organisers said Israeli naval forces boarded multiple boats late on Wednesday (1 October) in international waters, about 70 nautical miles (130km) off the coast of Gaza.
Disrupted Signals and Shadowing
According to the flotilla, signals were cut as Israeli forces closed in, with participants reporting tense encounters with unidentified vessels and drones following their route.
At 4.01 am on 2 October, the flotilla announced on X that three boats – Alma, Adara, and Sirius – had been captured, while others continued sailing.
Organisers condemned the actions as unlawful, insisting the seizures occurred in international waters. Israel countered that the flotilla was attempting to breach what it calls a “lawful naval blockade” of Gaza.
Israel's Response
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later released a video of a naval officer contacting one of the vessels, identifying herself as part of the Israeli navy.
According to Al Jazeera, Israeli media reported that at least six boats had been intercepted so far, including the Alma, with further seizures expected.
