Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu directly approved attacks on the Gaza aid flotilla early last month while it was moored off Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said, still hundreds of kilometres away from its destination, according to a new report.
CBS News cited American intelligence officers as saying the attacks on 8 and 9 September on two boats in the flotilla were carried out by the Israeli military, which launched drones and incendiary devices from a submarine.
The report came as Israel said it was “finalising the deportation” of over 400 activists detained at the notorious Ketziot prison after being captured as part of the Gaza aid flotilla.
Greta Thunberg is among those to be deported after her aid vessel was intercepted by the Israeli military as it neared the besieged Gaza Strip, Israeli officials have said.
The final sailing flotilla vessel, Marinette, was captured 42 nautical miles from Gaza, organisers said on Friday.
The move to stop the Global Sumud Flotilla has sparked backlash from the international community including leaders in Colombia, Malaysia, Brazil and Italy. Turkey’s foreign ministry called Israel’s interception “an act of terror”.
Key Points
- Netanyahu ordered attacks on Gaza flotilla – report
- Reports of injuries among 14 Irish citizens detained after Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted
- Final vessel, Marinette, intercepted, 42 nautical miles from Gaza
- Protests erupt across Brazil, Mexico, the US, Spain, Italy, London, Athens and more
- Amnesty International criticises Israeli interception of flotilla
Global protests after Gaza aid flotilla stopped by Israel
06:59 , Adam WithnallProtests have been held worldwide after a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza were stopped by Israeli military miles from the shores of the besieged strip.
Read more in this full report:
Global protests after all Gaza aid flotilla ships captured by Israeli military
Protests grip Italy in response to Israel's flotilla interception
05:48 , Adam WithnallMore than 2 million people across Italy rallied in over 100 cities Friday for a one-day general strike to support the residents of Gaza and a humanitarian aid mission, Italy's largest union said.
Italian unions proclaimed the strike after the Global Sumud Flotilla that was trying to break Israel's naval blockade to deliver aid to Gaza was intercepted by Israeli naval forces Wednesday night. Protests and demonstrations have sprung up all over Europe and globally since then, but they have been particularly strong in Italy.
Italy's conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had sharply criticised the strike. She anticipated it would cause widespread disruption across the country and said it was politically motivated and targeted her right-wing government.
According to the CGIL union, 300,000 people marched through the streets of Rome alone, while the national average participation in the general strike stood at around 60 per cent, halting all the main services in key sectors including transportation and schools.
In Florence, protesters approached the gates of the Italian national soccer team's training centre to demand its upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel not be played because of the war in Gaza.
Netanyahu ordered attacks on Gaza flotilla – report
04:28 , Adam WithnallIsrael’s Benjamin Netanyahu directly approved attacks on the Gaza aid flotilla early last month while it was moored off Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said, still hundreds of kilometres away from its destination, according to a new report.
CBS News cited American intelligence officers as saying the attacks on 8 and 9 September on two boats in the flotilla were carried out by the Israeli military, which launched drones and incendiary devices from a submarine.
The attacks caused a fire on the boats but did not lead to any injuries, and the fire was extinguished. Activists reclaimed the remnants of what appeared to be a device used to start the fires, before continuing on their journey towards Gaza.
Under international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict, the use of incendiary weapons against a civilian population or civilian objects is prohibited in all circumstances, CBS noted.
The Israeli military has yet to comment on the report.
2 million rally in Italy for Gaza as general strike halts key services
03:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
2 million rally in Italy for Gaza as general strike halts key services
Watch: Video shows on board Gaza aid flotilla vessel as activists hit by water
02:00 , Rebecca WhittakerPictured: Pro-Palestinian demonstration in Istanbul
01:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
Trump vows ‘all hell’ will break loose if Hamas doesn’t agree to his Gaza peace plan by new deadline
Saturday 4 October 2025 00:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
Trump warns ‘all hell’ will break loose if Hamas doesn’t agree to peace plan deadline
Watch: Moment Israeli military storms Gaza aid flotilla vessels
Friday 3 October 2025 23:00 , Rebecca WhittakerItaly rallied in over 100 cities to support Gaza
Friday 3 October 2025 22:00 , Rebecca WhittakerMillions of people across Italy rallied in over 100 cities on Friday for a one-day general strike to support the residents of Gaza and a humanitarian aid mission.
It comes after dozens of aid vessels were stopped as they approached the Gaza Strip and over 500 volunteers were detained.
Protests have sprung up all over Europe and globally since then, but they have been particularly strong in Italy.
Italy's conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had sharply criticised the strike. She anticipated it would cause widespread disruption across the country and said it was politically motivated and targeted her right-wing government.
Switzerland to file a diplomatic protest to Israel
Friday 3 October 2025 21:00 , Rebecca WhittakerSwitzerland is set to file a diplomatic protest to Israel after Israeli security forces cut short a visit by Swiss diplomats to imprisoned detainees from the Gaza aid flotilla.
"Due to various incidents, the Israeli security authorities interrupted the visit, preventing the Swiss embassy representatives from talking at length with the group of Swiss nationals," the Swiss foreign ministry said.
Nineteen Swiss nationals were aboard boats in the flotilla of dozens of vessels that tried to deliver aid to Israeli-blockaded Gaza. They were taken into custody on Thursday by Israeli forces who intercepted the flotilla at sea and eventually taken to Ketziot prison.
The Swiss foreign ministry said it would demand from Israel immediate access to the detained Swiss nationals.
Representatives from the Swiss teams visited the Ketziot prison for eight hours, the ministry said, adding that they planned to return on Sunday.
Greta Thunberg seen for first time since being detained by Israeli military
Friday 3 October 2025 20:00 , Maira Butt“Already 4 Italian citizens have been deported. The rest are in the process of being deported,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X/Twitter on Friday.
“Israel is keen to end this procedure as quickly as possible.
“Attached are photos of Greta Thunberg and other members of this provocation while arriving to Israel. All are safe and in good health.”
Ben-Gvir calls flotilla aid volunteers 'terrorists'
Friday 3 October 2025 19:30 , Maira ButtFootage circulating on social media shows Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appearing to taunt volunteers captured by the Israeli military.
Dozens of aid vessels were stopped as they approached the Gaza Strip and over 500 volunteers were detained.
“These are the flotilla terrorists,” the far-right politician is heard saying. “Look at them, supporters of murderers.”
He said the group had left their ships “a mess”. Activists sitting on the floor chanted “Free Palestine” in return.
The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza condemned the action, saying it showed Mr Gvir “swaggering before activists from 50 countries around the world, surrounded by his guards.”
All flotilla vessels confirmed as intercepted, according to organisers
Friday 3 October 2025 19:00 , Maira ButtThe Global Sumud Flotilla tracker has confirmed that all boats have now been intercepted by Israeli military.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry says that it is processing the deportation of volunteers “as quickly as possible”, and called the mission a “sham”.
Shabana Mahmood calls flotilla protests 'fundamentally un-British'
Friday 3 October 2025 18:30 , Maira ButtBritish Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has criticised supporters of the Palestine aid flotilla.
“I was very disappointed to see those protests go ahead last night,” Ms Mahmood told Sky News, suggesting that the demonstration was untimely in light of the Manchester synagogue attacks.
“I think that behaviour is fundamentally unBritish ... I think it's dishonourable.”
In pictures: Protests erupt across the world after flotilla vessels captured by Israeli military
Friday 3 October 2025 18:00 , Maira ButtLos Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Milan, London, Athens and other major European cities saw the outbreak of protests this week after over 400 volunteers were captured by the Israeli military after trying to take aid to Gaza.
Over 47 nationalities are said to have been represented on the humanitarian mission.
Over 66,000 people have been killed and nearly 170,000 wounded as experts have urged urgent intervention for the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
In pictures: Flotilla volunteers seen as Israel attempts to deport 'as quickly as possible'
Friday 3 October 2025 17:30 , Maira ButtNew pictures released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry shows detained volunteers following interception by the Israeli Navy.
Gaza aid flotilla volunteers hit by water before Israeli military capture
Friday 3 October 2025 17:01 , Maira ButtIsrael intercepted Gaza aid flotilla in international waters – is it legal?
Friday 3 October 2025 16:20 , Maira ButtWorld leaders and human rights groups have condemned Israel’s actions, saying they violated international maritime law.
Was the Gaza aid flotilla legal under international law?
Ibrahim Hazboun and Renata Brito report:
Israel intercepted Gaza aid flotilla in international waters – is it legal?
Flotilla organisers issue statement after final vessel intercepted
Friday 3 October 2025 16:00 , Maira Butt“Marinette, the last remaining boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla, was intercepted at 10:29am local time, approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza,” it wrote in a post on its Telegram channel.
“Over 38 hours, Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels—each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.
“Marinette sailed forward with the spirit of sumud—steadfastness—even after seeing the fate of 41 boats before her.
“But this is not the end of our mission. Our determination to confront Israel’s atrocities and stand with the Palestinian people remains unshaken.
“As people rise up in cities worldwide to demand an end to these horrors and to take a stand for humanity, we rise together with one voice: We will not stop until the genocide ends. We will not stop until Palestine is free.”
A two-year UN investigation conclude that Israel is committing a genocide, however the state denies the claims and says they are “false” and “distorted”.
UK Foreign Office 'very concerned' about Flotilla, warns Israel it expects 'situation to be resolved safely'
Friday 3 October 2025 15:39 , Maira ButtThe UK Foreign Office has said it is “very concerned about the situation with the Sumud Flotilla”.
“We have been in contact with the Israeli authorities to make clear we expect the situation to be resolved safely,” the UK Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday.
“We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved.”
Over 500 activists and professionals of 44 nationalities are represented on the fleet carrying aid to Gaza.
Watch: Moment Israeli military storms Gaza aid flotilla vessels
Friday 3 October 2025 15:20 , Maira ButtDaughter of elderly British citizen and former RAF pilot detained by Israel, expresses concern for his wellbeing
Friday 3 October 2025 14:48 , Maira ButtThe daughter of 72-year-old Malcolm Ducker has expressed concern for her father, an activist and former RAF pilot who was on board the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.
Mr Ducker is being held at the Ketziot prison in the Negev desert, according to reports.
“This is where they keep Palestinians accused of terrorism so I have concerns about their welfare — this looks punitive,” told The Times.
“They said it is because there are so many of them and they need to keep them together but I don’t believe that for a second.”
'We are waiting and excited': Palestinians waited on Gaza shores for flotilla
Friday 3 October 2025 14:26 , Maira ButtPalestinians waiting for the aid that was to be delivered via the Global Sumud Flotilla, shared their experience before the vessels were captured by Israeli military.
Videos on social media on Thursday showed a group of young people waiting for activists to break the blockade of the besieged strip.
“The boats will arrive in a couple of hours, so we wish they could succeed in arriving,” said TikTok user @louay...gaza.
“We are waiting and excited. We hope they succeed.”
A sign read: “The steadfastness flotilla is Gaza’s last hope.”
The video has been viewed nearly 3 million times.
Israel maintains that the mission was a “sham” and publicity stunt.
@louay...gaza The Steadfastness Flotilla is Gaza's last hope 🍉🇵🇸🥺
♬ original sound - ЯRMUSIC - 𝟑𝟎𝟑 𝐑𝐑
'The games are over': Ben-Gvir tours notorious Ketziot prison where flotilla volunteers are detained
Friday 3 October 2025 14:10 , Maira Butt“We are in Ketziot Prison and as I promised, these flotilla members, supporters of terrorism are here in security prison,” Israel’s far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said as he toured the detention centre located in the Negev desert, in footage shared by Israel’s Channel 14.
“The games are over – they are getting conditions like terrorists for all intents and purposes. Terrorists sweatshirts, terrorists conditions.”
Alleged use of 'skunk water' against flotilla volunteers criticised by academic
Friday 3 October 2025 13:58 , Maira ButtDalia Gebrial, a lecturer in Geography and Social Justice at King’s College London, has criticised the alleged use of “skunk water” by the Israeli military against flotilla volunteers.
Footage shared from the Global Sumud Flotilla showed activists being drenched with water cannons, which they say carried a highly noxious smell.
“It was first used by demonstrators in the West Bank in 2008. It is about drenching people in a foul smell,” Ms Gebrial told Novara Media.
“It is a universally important issue of justice.”
In pictures: Global protests erupt across US, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Greece and more
Friday 3 October 2025 13:40 , Maira Butt
Detainees to be kept in high-security prison
Friday 3 October 2025 13:07 , Maira ButtDozens of activists taken off a flotilla of boats in international waters will be incarcerated at the notorious Ketziot prison in the Negev desert.
Omer Shatz, an Israeli international law expert at Sciences Po University in Paris, said unlike where flotilla activists were held the last time, Ketziot was a high-security prison that did not normally hold immigration detainees.
All flotilla vessels confirmed as intercepted, according to organisers
Friday 3 October 2025 12:10 , Maira ButtThe Global Sumud Flotilla tracker has confirmed that all boats have now been intercepted by Israeli military.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry says that it is processing the deportation of volunteers “as quickly as possible”, and called the mission a “sham”.
Ben-Gvir calls flotilla aid volunteers 'terrorists'
Friday 3 October 2025 11:56 , Maira ButtFootage circulating on social media shows Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appearing to taunt volunteers captured by the Israeli military.
Dozens of aid vessels were stopped as they approached the Gaza Strip and over 500 volunteers were detained.
“These are the flotilla terrorists,” he is heard saying. “Look at them, supporters of murderers.”
He said the group had left their ships “a mess”. Activists sitting on the floor chanted “Free Palestine” in return.
The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza condemned the action, saying it showed Mr Gvir “swaggering before activists from 50 countries around the world, surrounded by his guards.”
Tens of thousands go on strike in Italy for Gaza flotilla
Friday 3 October 2025 11:40 , Maira ButtTrade unions called for a day-long general strike in support of an aid flotilla carrying humanitarian supplies and food to Gaza.
“After what I saw with the flotilla, I thought I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. It's the first time I go to these kind of demonstrations,” Mario Mascetti, a protester in Rome, told Reuters.
The CGIL unit planned demonstrations in more than 100 cities across the country. Leader Maurizio Landini said the groups were gathered to “defend brotherhood among individuals, among peoples”.
Israel accuses the mission of being a publicity stunt. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suggested people had used the protest as an excuse for a longer weekend.
In pictures: Flotilla volunteers seen as Israel attempts to deport 'as quickly as possible'
Friday 3 October 2025 11:05 , Maira ButtNew pictures released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry shows detained volunteers following interception by the Israeli Navy.
Greta Thunberg seen for first time since being detained by Israeli military
Friday 3 October 2025 10:59 , Maira Butt“Already 4 Italian citizens have been deported. The rest are in the process of being deported,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X/Twitter on Friday.
“Israel is keen to end this procedure as quickly as possible.
“Attached are photos of Greta Thunberg and other members of this provocation while arriving to Israel. All are safe and in good health.”
Four Italian parliamentarians to fly back to Rome today
Friday 3 October 2025 10:55 , Maira ButtAs Israel promises to deport volunteers who attempted to carry aid to Gaza, Italy has said that its citizens will likely be sent to European capitals on charter flights on Monday and Tuesday early next week.
Four italian parliamentarians have been released and are due to fly to Rome today. More than 20 Italian citizens were involved in the humanitarian mission.
Shabana Mahmood calls flotilla protests 'fundamentally un-British'
Friday 3 October 2025 10:17 , Maira ButtBritish Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has criticised supporters of the Palestine aid flotilla.
“I was very disappointed to see those protests go ahead last night,” Ms Mahmood told Sky News, suggesting that the demonstration was untimely in light of the Manchester synagogue attacks.
“I think that behaviour is fundamentally unBritish ... I think it's dishonourable.”
Palestinians able to fish for food as Israeli military 'distracted'
Friday 3 October 2025 09:52 , Maira ButtPalestinians have shared videos of themselves fishing in the Mediterranean Sea as the Israeli navy has found itself preoccupied with flotilla interceptions.
The UN has previously criticised the “systematic attacks on fishing in Gaza”, which has seen hundreds of people die from starvation and malnutrition as Israel restricts aid into the Strip.
@yousef_j9000 #بحرغزة_فلسطين_عمان_سوريا_مصر_المغرب_تركيا #بحرغزة#تك_توك #اكسبلورexplore #CapCut
♬ الصوت الأصلي - يــــوســــف
Flotilla organisers issue statement after final vessel intercepted
Friday 3 October 2025 09:45 , Maira Butt“Marinette, the last remaining boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla, was intercepted at 10:29am local time, approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza,” it wrote in a post on its Telegram channel.
“Over 38 hours, Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels—each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.
“Marinette sailed forward with the spirit of sumud—steadfastness—even after seeing the fate of 41 boats before her.
“But this is not the end of our mission. Our determination to confront Israel’s atrocities and stand with the Palestinian people remains unshaken.
“As people rise up in cities worldwide to demand an end to these horrors and to take a stand for humanity, we rise together with one voice: We will not stop until the genocide ends. We will not stop until Palestine is free.”
A two-year UN investigation conclude that Israel is committing a genocide, however the state denies the claims and says they are “false” and “distorted”.
In pictures: Protests erupt across the world after flotilla vessels captured by Israeli military
Friday 3 October 2025 09:36 , Maira ButtLos Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Milan, London, Athens and other major European cities saw the outbreak of protests this week after over 400 volunteers were captured by the Israeli military after trying to take aid to Gaza.
Over 47 nationalities are said to have been represented on the humanitarian mission.
Over 66,000 people have been killed and nearly 170,000 wounded as experts have urged urgent intervention for the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
Met Police arrest 40 people at London flotilla protests
Friday 3 October 2025 09:20 , Maira Butt“A protest organised by the ‘Global Movement for Gaza UK’ took place in Whitehall this evening,” the Met Police wrote on X/Twitter.
“Forty people have been arrested. Six of those arrests were for assaults on police officers while the majority were for breaching conditions [of the Public Order Act, ‘to keep roads open and prevent serious disruption’].”
Final flotilla vessel, Marinette, intercepted
Friday 3 October 2025 08:58 , Maira ButtA screengrab from a live stream video shows Israeli navy forces approaching the Marinette, believed to be the only ship from the Global Sumud Flotilla still sailing towards Gaza.
Flotilla organisers reported that it has now been intercepted.
Ben Gvir taunts flotilla aid volunteers calling them 'terrorists'
Friday 3 October 2025 08:45 , Maira ButtFootage circulating on social media shows Israeli Security Minister Ben Gvir appearing to taunt volunteers captured by the Israeli military.
Dozens of aid vessels were stopped as they approached the Gaza Strip and over 500 volunteers were detained.
“These are the flotilla terrorists,” he is heard saying. “Look at them, supporters of murderers.”
He said the group had left their ships “a mess”. Activists sitting on the floor chanted “Free Palestine” in return.
The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza condemned the action, saying it showed Mr Gvir “swaggering before activists from 50 countries around the world, surrounded by his guards.”
Police and protesters clash outside Downing Street
Friday 3 October 2025 08:20 , Maira ButtThere were clashes outside Downing Street as protesters demonstrated against the Israeli military’s detention of volunteers carrying aid to the Gaza Strip.
Footage circulating on social media shows chaotic scenes at Parliament Square in London as Police appeared to push back protesters. Reports suggest that some were arrested.
The Independent has contacted the Met Police for comment.
Vessel docks in Cyprus
Friday 3 October 2025 07:42 , Maira ButtA vessel has docked in Cyprus, the island’s government said on Friday.
A spokesperson did not confirm whether the boat was part of the Gaza aid flotilla or those stopped by the Israeli military.
The Marinette continued to sail, diverting its route after every other vessel was stopped by the Israeli military.
Volunteers have been detained, in what organisers have called illegal “abductions”.
A government spokesperson said that the ship, carrying 21 foreign nationals, asked to dock in Larnaca for refuelling and humanitarian reasons.
Detainees to be kept in high-security prison
Friday 3 October 2025 07:30 , Stuti MishraDozens of activists taken off a flotilla of yachts in international waters by Israeli commandos will be incarcerated at the notorious Ketziot prison in the Negev desert.
Omer Shatz, an Israeli international law expert at Sciences Po University in Paris, said unlike where flotilla activists were held the last time, Ketziot was a high-security prison that did not normally hold immigration detainees.
What happens to Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel?
Friday 3 October 2025 07:00 , Stuti MishraIsraeli forces have intercepted boats carrying aid for Gaza, thwarting the latest attempt by activists to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory and deliver supplies to its starving population.
As happened after previous attempts to breach the blockade, the detained activists were taken to Israel where they faced deportation, according to Israel's foreign ministry.
Some of those on the flotilla, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, had also been detained by Israeli authorities during previous attempts to break the blockade.
In the past, activists detained by Israel were not criminally prosecuted and instead their presence was treated as an immigration matter.
Adalah, a human rights organisation and legal centre in Israel, represented aid flotilla participants who were detained by Israel.
Suhad Bishara, the organisation's legal director, told Reuters that her team was awaiting the arrival of those detained overnight in the port of Ashdod, 40km north of the Gaza Strip.
She said once the flotilla crews arrived, they would be identified and transferred to the immigration authority to process them for anticipated deportation, before being moved into custody, likely in the Ketziot prison in southern Israel.
UN warns Israeli interception widens scope of unlawful blockade
Friday 3 October 2025 06:31 , Stuti MishraThe UN has commented on the Israeli interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
“As the occupying power, Israel must ensure food and medical supplies for the population to the fullest extent of the means available, or to agree to and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief schemes, delivered rapidly and without hindrance," UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said in an email to Reuters.
Mr Al-Kheetan called on Israel to respect the rights of detained volunteers.
Mikeno vessel may have entered Palestinian territorial waters
Friday 3 October 2025 06:00 , Stuti MishraOne of the flotilla’s vessels - the Mikeno - appeared to have got close to Gaza’s coast into the Palestinian territorial waters. However, the ship was later intercepted.
“Mikeno, sailing under the French flag, may have entered Palestinian territorial waters according to AIS data, but remains out of contact,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.
Photos: Protests in Mexico over Israeli interception of flotilla
Friday 3 October 2025 05:15 , Stuti Mishra
Reports of injuries among 14 Irish citizens detained after Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted
Friday 3 October 2025 04:45 , Stuti MishraAt least 14 Irish citizens were detained after Israel intercepted a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, Ireland’s deputy premier has said.
Simon Harris, who is also the Foreign Affairs Minister, said there may be two other citizens whose presence is still being verified.
There are no reports of injuries among the Irish citizens, he said.
Read more:
At least 14 Irish citizens detained after Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted
Police use tear gas and water cannons on Gaza protest in Geneva
Friday 3 October 2025 04:16 , Stuti MishraPolice sprayed tear gas on protesters in Geneva, Switzerland as they marched in support of the Gaza flotilla, eyewitnesses told Reuters news agency, which the police confirmed.
"We were retreating and suddenly got heavily gassed," an eyewitness told Reuters, describing a burning sensation in their eyes and difficultly breathing.
Israel's interception of the flotilla sparked protests in Geneva and Bern, as well as in Italy and Colombia.
Tear gas,water cannons trucks. it was peaceful and ended ugly..shame .. there was no reason for what happened..they could have used microphones to disperse people.. no one knew what was happening.. they caged people from all side.Geneva came out in solidarity with Gaza 02.10.2025 pic.twitter.com/0NoOoQyEE3
— Dr. Hana S. El-Gallal د. هناء القلال (@hacare) October 2, 2025
ICYMI: Moment Israeli military storms Gaza aid flotilla vessels
Friday 3 October 2025 03:00 , Joe MiddletonIsrael says all vessels have been intercepted
Friday 3 October 2025 02:00 , Joe MiddletonThe Israeli foreign ministry has announced that the Global Sumud’s Flotilla “provocation is over”.
None of the “provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade”, the Israeli foreign ministry wrote on Thursday.
“All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe.”
As Marinette and Mikeno appear to continue, it warned: “One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”
Colombia expels Israeli diplomats after citizens detained in flotilla interception
Friday 3 October 2025 01:00 , Joe MiddletonColombia president announced the expulsion of all Israeli diplomats from his country after the Israeli military arrested two Colombian nationals during the interception of the flotilla carrying aid into Gaza.
In a statement, the office of Gustavo Petro said the Colombian women “who were engaged in human solidarity activities with Palestine" were detained by Israeli forces.
Amnesty International criticises Israeli interception of flotilla
Thursday 2 October 2025 23:59 , Joe MiddletonHuman rights group Amnesty International has called out Israel’s interception of the Gaza aid flotilla as a “calculated act of intimidation”.
The group called the action “a brazen assault against solidarity activists carrying out an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission,” Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said.
“This seizure comes after weeks of threats and incitement by Israeli officials against the flotilla and its participants and after several attempts to sabotage some of its ships,” he continued.
The head of Amnesty called for the unconditional release of all activists.
“The very fact that they had to set sail in the first place is a clear indictment of the international community’s persistent failure to end Israel’s ongoing genocide and to ensure the unhindered flow of aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
UN warns Israeli interception widens scope of unlawful blockade
Thursday 2 October 2025 23:00 , Joe MiddletonThe UN has commented on the Israeli interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
“As the occupying power, Israel must ensure food and medical supplies for the population to the fullest extent of the means available, or to agree to and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief schemes, delivered rapidly and without hindrance," UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said in an email to Reuters.
Mr Al-Kheetan called on Israel to respect the rights of detained volunteers.
Israel says all vessels have been intercepted
Thursday 2 October 2025 21:00 , Maira ButtThe Israeli foreign ministry has announced that the Global Sumud’s Flotilla “provocation is over”.
None of the “provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade”, the Israeli foreign ministry wrote on Thursday.
“All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe.”
As Marinette and Mikeno appear to continue, it warned: “One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”
Israeli authorities allow volunteers access to lawyers after being denied, say organisers
Thursday 2 October 2025 20:30 , Maira Butt“After Israeli authorities initially denied access and began hearings without prior consultation, Adalah’s legal team has now entered the port and will carry out consultations,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.
Watch: Greta Thunberg detained by Israeli forces after Gaza aid vessel intercepted
Thursday 2 October 2025 20:03 , Maira ButtMikeno vessel may have entered Palestinian territorial waters
Thursday 2 October 2025 19:30 , Maira Butt“Mikeno, sailing under the French flag, may have entered Palestinian territorial waters according to AIS data, but remains out of contact,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.
“Marinette, sailing under the Polish flag, is still connected via Starlink and in communication, carrying a total of 6 passengers on board.”
Israel has denied any boats entered Palestinian or Israeli territory.
Watch: Moment Israeli military storms Gaza aid flotilla vessels
Thursday 2 October 2025 19:00 , Maira ButtGermany calls for protection of Flotilla volunteers
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:33 , Maira ButtGermany has joined several nations urging Israel to protect the rights of its civilians.
"We were in contact with the Israeli government and called on them to comply with their obligations under international law and to act with proportionality,” a spokesperson said.
“We also called for the protection of all those on board to be guaranteed, to our knowledge, this has been done," said the spokesperson.”
Israel says Greta Thunberg is ‘safe’ as Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by military
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:00 , Maira ButtGreta Thunberg’s aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli military and its crew detained as it made its final approach to Gaza, Israeli officials have confirmed.
Three vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla were cut off by a naval blockade around 70 nautical miles, or 130km, from the besieged strip at around 8:30pm Gaza time on Wednesday evening, according to activists on board.
Israel says ‘Greta Thunberg’ is ‘safe’ as Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by military
In pictures: Israeli navy forces board Gaza-bound vessel
Thursday 2 October 2025 17:31 , Maira Butt.png)
At least 14 Irish citizens detained after Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted
Thursday 2 October 2025 17:01 , Maira ButtAt least 14 Irish citizens detained after Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted
Flotilla vessel enters port of Ashdod, as Israel readies volunteers for deportation
Thursday 2 October 2025 16:30 , Maira ButtEyewitnesses have told Reuters that volunteers aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have arrived in Ashdod.
Israel says all vessels have been intercepted and none entered Palestinian territorial waters.
An Israeli warship has docked at Ashdod port with 500 Global Sumud Flotilla activists on board, after they were seized by the Israeli army while attempting to break the siege on Gaza pic.twitter.com/D37FUKWKbE
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025
UN warns Israeli interception widens scope of unlawful blockade
Thursday 2 October 2025 16:01 , Maira ButtThe UN has commented on the Israeli interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
“As the occupying power, Israel must ensure food and medical supplies for the population to the fullest extent of the means available, or to agree to and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief schemes, delivered rapidly and without hindrance," UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said in an email to Reuters.
Mr Al-Kheetan called on Israel to respect the rights of detained volunteers.
Amnesty International criticises Israeli interception of flotilla
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:30 , Maira ButtHuman rights group Amnesty International has called out Israel’s interception of the Gaza aid flotilla as a “calculated act of intimidation”.
The group called the action “a brazen assault against solidarity activists carrying out an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission,” Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said.
“This seizure comes after weeks of threats and incitement by Israeli officials against the flotilla and its participants and after several attempts to sabotage some of its ships,” he continued.
The head of Amnesty called for the unconditional release of all activists.
“The very fact that they had to set sail in the first place is a clear indictment of the international community’s persistent failure to end Israel’s ongoing genocide and to ensure the unhindered flow of aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
Woman onboard Gaza flotilla intercepted by Israel slams British government for not intervening to help aid mission
Thursday 2 October 2025 14:50 , Maira ButtA woman onboard an aid flotilla intercepted by the Israeli military en route to Gaza has called on the UK government to intervene to allow the safe passage of the boat to the war-torn territory.
Ewa Jasiewicz was aboard one of 44 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is delivering aid to the war-torn territory. She was sailing the treacherous journey 15 years after witnessing Israeli forces kill nine of her fellow activists during a raid on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in 2010.
Alex Croft reports:
‘I was on the deadly 2010 Gaza flotilla and am sailing again. Israel could kill us’
Colombia expels Israeli diplomats after citizens detained in flotilla interception
Thursday 2 October 2025 14:15 , Maira ButtColombia president announced the expulsion of all Israeli diplomats from his country after the Israeli military arrested two Colombian nationals during the interception of the flotilla carrying aid into Gaza.
In a statement, the office of Gustavo Petro said the Colombian women “who were engaged in human solidarity activities with Palestine" were detained by Israeli forces.
International leaders condemn Israeli interception as protests erupt across Europe
Thursday 2 October 2025 14:00 , Maira ButtOver 10,000 protesters have gathered in Italy to demonstrate against the interception as the international community censures the action.
Turkey’s foreign minister called the move an “act of terror” while representatives for Irish party Sinn Féin, called it a “kidnapping”.
Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats on Wednesday accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “a new international crime”.
Protests are set to take place across the UK with a demonstration to take place at Parliament Square on Thursday.
US Senator Ed Markey urges Trump to use relationship with Netanyahu to protect flotilla
Thursday 2 October 2025 13:45 , Maira ButtSenator Ed Markey issued a message on Wednesday urging American leader Donald Trump to use his close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to protect the Flotilla.
Israeli forces detained activists on board the fleet of 54 boats carrying aid to Gaza.
“Trump should use his relationship with Netanyahu to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla,” he wrote on X/Twitter.
“These are peaceful civilian vessels bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Americans are on board, including from Massachusetts. We must resolve this crisis peacefully.”
UK Foreign Office 'very concerned' about Flotilla, warns Israel it expects 'situation to be resolved safely'
Thursday 2 October 2025 13:20 , Maira ButtThe UK Foreign Office has said it is “very concerned about the situation with the Sumud Flotilla”.
“We have been in contact with the Israeli authorities to make clear we expect the situation to be resolved safely,” the UK Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday.
“We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved.”
Over 500 activists and professionals of 44 nationalities are represented on the fleet carrying aid to Gaza.
443 Flotilla volunteers 'forcibly taken from their vessels', say organisers
Thursday 2 October 2025 12:45 , Maira Butt“Adalah lawyers, who represent the flotilla participants before Israeli authorities, have been given minimal updates and have not been informed on whether the estimated 443 flotilla volunteers, who were forcibly taken from their vessels, are expected to arrive at Ashdod, where they are expected to be processed under illegal detention,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.
It said that several boats were stopped by a “chain-link barrier”.
Israeli navy escorts activists to Ashdod
Thursday 2 October 2025 12:31 , Maira ButtActivists in orange life jackets sit aboard a Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla boat as Israeli navy soldiers sail it into Ashdod, Israel on Thursday after it was intercepted off the Gaza coast.
