Greta Thunberg’s aid vessel has been intercepted by the Israeli military as it nears the besieged Gaza Strip, Israeli officials have confirmed.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said three of its vessels had been boarded by military personnel in a post on Instagram on Wednesday evening. Israel’s foreign ministry later posted a clip of Ms Thunberg being detained by Israeli forces on X, writing “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy”.
“High alert. Our vessels are being illegally intercepted,” the group wrote.
“Cameras are offline and vessels have been boarded by military personnel. We are actively working to confirm the safety and status of all participants on board.”
More than 500 activists, including Greta Thunberg, are onboard around 45 boats carrying aid through the Mediterranean Sea for more than one month, looking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza as the enclave remains in the grip of widespread hunger.
Ms Thunberg and fellow activists were previously arrested and detained in Israeli prison for a number of days after a previous flotilla was intercepted by the country’s military over the summer.
The group have said they fear a heavy-handed encounter with Israeli forces.
Key Points
- Greta Thunberg detained by Israeli military
- 'Greta and her friends are safe and healthy', Israel's foreign ministry says
- Protests held across the world after aid mission intercepted
- 'We are a peaceful humanitarian mission', activists tell Israel
- Greta Thunberg hits back over Gaza flotilla claims: ‘No one would risk their lives for a publicity stunt’
Watch: Israel says 'Greta Thunberg safe' as Gaza flotilla passengers 'transferred to Israeli port'
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneICYMI: ‘After joining the deadly 2010 Gaza flotilla, I’m now sailing again. I’m worried Israel will kill us’
02:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEwa Jasiewicz, a British-Polish activist and journalist, was on board the 2010 Gaza aid flotilla in which nine activists were killed. As she sails to Gaza for a second time, she told Alex Croft that she fears history may repeat itself.
‘I was on the deadly 2010 Gaza flotilla and am sailing again. Israel could kill us’
Tonight's reports 'very concerning', Ireland's foreign minister says
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneReports the Global Sumud Flotilla has been intercepted by Israeli military are “very concerning,” Ireland’s foreign minister Simon Harris has said.
“I am keeping in close contact with my officials who are working on the ground and have also spoken with EU counterparts on the Global Sumud Flotilla,” he wrote in a post on X.
“Tonight’s reports are very concerning. This is a peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe.”
I am keeping in close contact with my officials who are working on the ground and have also spoken with EU counterparts on the Global Sumud Flotilla.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 1, 2025
Tonight’s reports are very concerning. This is a peaceful mission to shine a light on a horrific humanitarian catastrophe. https://t.co/ilhWynYt85
Watch: Video shows on board Gaza aid flotilla vessel as activists hit by water
01:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneICYMI: Israeli military intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla on approach to Gaza
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Israeli military has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on its approach to Gaza on Wednesday evening.
Activists including Greta Thunberg are understood to have been detained after three vessels were stopped by a naval blockade around 70 nautical miles (130km) from the Gaza Strip.
Posting on social media, activists accused Israeli forces of using “water cannons” and “active aggression” against its passengers.
Israel’s foreign ministry said the “sole purpose” of the flotilla was “provocation”, adding Ms Thunberg and other activists were “safe” and being transferred to Israel.
Protesters rally across the world after Israeli forces intercept Sumud flotilla
Thursday 2 October 2025 00:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe interception of several vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla has sparked protests across the world on Wednesday evening.
Pictures show demonstrations breaking out in Naples, Rome, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, and Istanbul as protesters took to the streets.
In pictures: Flotilla passengers hold hands up as Israeli forces board boats
Thursday 2 October 2025 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Watch: Gaza aid flotilla says Israel issued radio threats
Wednesday 1 October 2025 23:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGreta Thunberg detained by Israeli military
Wednesday 1 October 2025 23:04 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGreta Thunberg is among the activists detained by the Israeli military on Wednesday evening, officials confirmed.
The Swedish campaigner was filmed sat on the floor as she donned her hat and jacket next to an Israeli soldier.
Global Sumud Flotilla accuse Israel of using 'active aggression' as it confirms all passengers unharmed
Wednesday 1 October 2025 22:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Global Sumud Flotilla has accused Israel of using “active aggression” against its crew as it confirmed all passengers were unharmed.
In a post on Telegram it wrote: “The Israeli occupation navy forces are using active agression on the Global Sumud Flotilla.
“Florida vessel has been deliberately rammed at sea. Yulara, Meteque and others have been targeted with water cannons.
“These illegal attacks on unarmed humanitarian ships is a war crime.All passengers on board are unharmed.”
Watch: Gaza flotilla livestream reports vessel offline due to 'water cannons'
Wednesday 1 October 2025 22:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGreta Thunberg among flotilla crew members 'safely' stopped, Israel's foreign ministry says
Wednesday 1 October 2025 22:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGreta Thunberg is among a number of flotilla crew members “safely stopped” and being “transferred to an Israeli port”, according to the Israeli foreign ministry.
“Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy,” it wrote in a post on X.
Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port.
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 1, 2025
Greta and her friends are safe and healthy. pic.twitter.com/PA1ezier9s
In pictures: Protesters gather in Naples over Gaza flotilla
Wednesday 1 October 2025 21:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Italy’s largest union calls general strike for Friday in support of Gaza aid flotilla
Wednesday 1 October 2025 21:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneItaly's largest union has called a general strike for Friday in protest at the treatment of a flotilla seeking to bring aid to Gaza, it said on Wednesday.
Protests were also being held in a number of Italian cities late on Wednesday, including in Naples where demonstrators halted train traffic at the main station after reports that some 20 unidentified vessels were seen approaching the international flotilla.
Israel decries flotilla as 'PR stunt' and says activists will be deported
Wednesday 1 October 2025 21:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIsrael has condemned the flotilla as a “PR stunt” amid reports it has intercepted a number of boats involved.
In a post on X, its mbassador to the United Nations Danny Danon wrote: “We will not allow any PR stunt approaching an active war zone to violate our sovereignty.
“Those who tried to enter Israeli territory illegally will be deported immediately after Yom Kippur in Israel. Israel has repeatedly offered ways to peacefully deliver aid to Gaza, but this flotilla is not interested in aid - only provocation.”
We will not allow any PR stunt approaching an active war zone to violate our sovereignty. Those who tried to enter Israeli territory illegally will be deported immediately after Yom Kippur in Israel. Israel has repeatedly offered ways to peacefully deliver aid to Gaza, but this… pic.twitter.com/JVZldN0kYb
— Danny Danon 🇮🇱 דני דנון (@dannydanon) October 1, 2025
'We are a peaceful humanitarian mission', activists tell Israel
Wednesday 1 October 2025 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneActivists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla have posted their response to what they called Israel’s “threats” issued via radio to their flotilla.
In a radio message posted by the Israeli foreign ministry, the boats were instructed to change course and provide aid “through the established channels”.
In a video posted on the flotilla’s Telegram channel, activist Thiago Avila says: “We are a peaceful, nonviolent humanitarian mission.
“Our journey is legal under international law, and any attempt to obstruct us is not.
“We carry food, aid, water filters, crutches, baby formula, to people you have been starving to death.”
Three boats intercepted in 'illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians', flotilla statement says
Wednesday 1 October 2025 20:43 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThree boats have been intercepted by Israeli military in what activists have called an “illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians,” according to the Global Sumud Flotilla.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the group said the other vessels were around 70 nautical miles from Gaza and planned to “continue undeterred”.
It also called on governments and world leaders to demand the “safety and release” of all on board the intercepted boats.
“On Wednesday, 1 October 2025 at around 8:30 pm Gaza time, multiple vessels of Global Sumud Flotilla—notably Alma, Surius, Adara—were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli Occupation Forces in international waters,” it said.
“Prior to illegally boarding the ships, it appears as though the Israeli naval vessels intentionally damaged ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the live-stream of their illegal boat boarding.
“In addition to the boats confirmed to be intercepted, live-stream coverage and communication has been lost with multiple other boats.
“We are diligently working to account for all participants and crew. We will share updates as soon as we have confirmed information about the status of boats, detentions, injuries and potential casualties.
“This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians in international waters. We call on governments, world leaders, and international institutions to demand the safety and release of all on board and continue to monitor this situation closely.
“Despite interception of a few vessels, the Global Sumud Flotilla is 70 nautical miles away from the Gaza coastline and will continue undeterred.”
'If you see this video, our boat has been intercepted', crew member posts on social media
Wednesday 1 October 2025 20:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA crew member has said her boat has been intercepted in a pre-recorded video posted on social media.
“If you’re seeing this video, it means I have been kidnapped by the Zionist regime and that our boat was intercepted,” singer Leila Hegazy wrote.
“Pressure your governments to end their complicity in the g-cide of the Palestinian people and to make sure that all humanitarians on this mission return safe to our families.”
Sirius boarded by Israeli military, activists claim
Wednesday 1 October 2025 20:24 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Sirius vessel, which forms part of the flotilla, has been intercepted by Israeli naval forces, the group has claimed.
In a post on Instagram it wrote: “On Oct 1, 2025, Israeli naval forces illegally intercepted and boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla’s vessel Sirius along with other boats in international waters.
“Live-streams and communications have been cut. The status of participants and crew remains unconfirmed.
“This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their immediate safety and release.”
Activists wave at camera on flotilla vessel
Wednesday 1 October 2025 20:16 , Nicole Wootton-CaneActivists on board the Captain Nikos were pictured waving at a livestream camera as they prepared for possible interception by Israeli forces.
A number of the cameras on board the some 40 boats are still functioning, but streaming appears to have been cut off on others.
Three military vessels have intercepted flotilla, activist says
Wednesday 1 October 2025 19:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEwa Jasiewicz, a British-Polish activist on board the All In vessel, has told The Independent’s Alex Croft that three military vessels have intercepted the flotilla.
“There are three military vessels inside the flotilla, without light,” she wrote in a message.
“One is shining a beam onto boats to identify size. They seem to be targeting and commandeering larger boats first”.
Military personnel have boarded vessels as flotilla on 'high alert'
Wednesday 1 October 2025 19:48 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMilitary personnel have boarded vessels that form part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the group posted on Instagram.
“High alert. Our vessels are being illegally intercepted,” they wrote.
“Cameras are offline and vessels have been boarded by military personnel. We are actively working to confirm the safety and status of all participants on board.”
Israeli navy issues warning to flotilla
Wednesday 1 October 2025 19:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Israeli navy has reportedly issued a warning to the flotilla, telling it to provide aid “through the established channels”.
In a post on X, Israel’s foreign ministry wrote the purpose of the mission was “not aid” but “provocation”.
“Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade,” it wrote.
“Israel reiterated the offer to transfer any aid peacefully through safe channels to Gaza.”
The sole purpose of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla is provocation. Israel, Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have all offered and continue to offer the flotilla a way to peacefully deliver any aid they might have to Gaza. The flotilla refused because they are not… pic.twitter.com/pLQj1FLIPA
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 1, 2025
Italy foreign minister: Israel assured me violence won't be used against flotilla
Wednesday 1 October 2025 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneItaly’s foreign minister has said Israel’s armed forces assured him violence would not be used against the members of the flotilla.
"The boarding was planned, we are talking about it ... with Minister Saar so that there would be no violent actions on the part of the Tel Aviv armed forces, and this has been assured to me," Antonio Tajani said to Italian TV broadcaster Rai.
"We instructed our embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem to assist all Italians who will probably be taken to Ashdod, but then will be expelled," he added.
It comes after the country said it would stop providing assistance the aid mission on Tuesday.
Around 20 vessels approaching flotilla, crew members say
Wednesday 1 October 2025 19:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSome 20 unidentified vessels were seen approaching the international flotilla trying to deliver aid to Gaza on Wednesday night, multiple people on board said, as passengers put on life vests and braced for a takeover.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which consists of more than 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, is trying to break Israel's blockade of Gaza with medicine and food, despite repeated warnings from Israel to turn back.
It is now within 90 nautical miles of the war-ravaged Strip.
The flotilla organisers said in a statement that they had detected at least 20 vessels on their radar about 3 nautical miles ahead of the fleet.
"This may signal a potential naval blockade. But let it be clear: we will not be intimidated by threats, harassment, or efforts to protect Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza," it said.
It is not clear who is operating the vessels. Israeli officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A live video feed from one of the boats in the flotilla showed passengers in life vests sitting in a circle on deck.
"They are already coming for us. Two dozen vessels are waiting for us," Jose Luis Ybot, a passenger on the flotilla, said in a video posted on social media.
Live stream shows flotilla nearing possible blockade
Wednesday 1 October 2025 19:13 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA live stream of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s vessels shows the boats approaching what they believe to be a military blockade near Gaza.
The stream has been cut off on a number of the vessels. On others, bright lights can be seen surrounding the boat through its windows.
Tracker shows flotilla approaching Gaza
Wednesday 1 October 2025 19:07 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA live tracker shows the Global Sumud Flotilla approaching Gaza.
The group has said it expects to be intercepted by Israeli military vessels within the next 45 minutes.
State of emergency declared on flotilla as Israeli military vessels approach
Wednesday 1 October 2025 18:52 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Israeli navy is expected to begin intercepting dozens of boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla within an hour, organisers said, adding that a state of emergency has been declared on board their vessels attempting to bring aid to Gaza.
They said Israeli military vessels had approached to within about 10 miles, marking a critical moment as the flotilla nears a naval blockade.
Greta Thunberg hits back over Gaza flotilla claims: ‘No one would risk their lives for a publicity stunt’
Monday 29 September 2025 16:54 , Alex CroftGreta Thunberg has hit back at claims that the flotilla of Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ships she is on is a “publicity stunt”.
The Swedish activist is one of over 500 volunteers aboard the flotilla aiming to deliver medical supplies and food to the population of Gaza, who are experiencing widespread hunger due to an Israeli naval blockade.
Israeli authorities have characterised the Global Sumud Flotilla as a publicity stunt – a claim activists on board deny.
Asked in an interview with Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC about the accusations, Ms Thunberg said: “First of all I don’t think anyone would risk their lives for a publicity stunt. Second of all, if you think it’s a publicity stunt, have you asked people in Gaza if they consider this a publicity stunt?”
