Israeli forces stopped several vessels from the Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza. The Gaza Freedom and Sumud Flotilla organizers said Israeli troops jammed signals and boarded two boats.
The Sumud Flotilla organizers stated that the convoy was carrying humanitarian and medical aid, including medicines and essential supplies for Gaza hospitals. The flotilla comprised of 11 boats of about 100 participants who were mainly doctors, journalists, and civil society activists. Reports indicate that Israeli naval forces stopped the vessels in international waters and transferred all passengers to an Israeli port.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the operation, stating that the interception of the Sumud Flotilla vessels was a security measure under the naval blockade of Gaza. The ministry said all passengers and crew members are safe and deported to their respective home countries. It added that the flotilla’s attempt to breach the blockade violated existing maritime regulations.
Global Sumud Flotilla 2025 initiated as an international program to break the blockade of Gaza by Israel. The convoy reportedly made of more than 40 vessels, and over 500 people of various nationalities. The mission would transport humanitarian aid valued at around $110,000 and create awareness about the Gaza situation.
In the past, Israeli troops had arrested more than 450 members of the Global Sumud Flotilla including a group of foreign activists. Others deported to Jordan and Greece and others are still in Israeli custody. Released participants said that the flotilla only aimed to provide aid peacefully and that the interception had been done in international waters.
The arrest of Sumud Flotilla activists raised as an issue by governments and human rights organizations. Some nations such as Greece, Turkey and Pakistan have insisted on the safe and immediate release of their citizens. The international news agencies still report on the process of deportation and the words of both the representatives of the flotilla and the Israeli authorities.
