Israel Intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla in International Waters

The Israeli navy intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters, boarding around 40 vessels and detaining more than 400 activists from dozens of countries, including Greta Thunberg. Israel said the mission had links to Hamas and carried little meaningful aid, while organizers said they were delivering humanitarian supplies to Gaza. The seizures prompted widespread protests across Europe — including vandalism in Barcelona and a CGIL‑called general strike in Italy that disrupted transport and university occupations — and calls for further maritime solidarity actions. The United Nations and rights groups urged Israel to respect international maritime law and protect detainees, even as Israeli authorities have begun deportation and detention proceedings that lawyers and Adalah allege violate due process. Activists say additional vessels, including the Conscience and Milad, remain underway from Italy and Crete carrying health workers, journalists and supplies such as baby formula and vow to press on despite Israeli warnings. Israel’s foreign ministry said it will prevent any breach of its naval blockade and return detainees to their home countries as humanitarian tensions and legal and diplomatic disputes escalate.