The Israeli military halted on Friday, October 3, 2025, the last ship of the humanitarian flotilla attempting to break the blockade of Gaza, a day after intercepting most of the fleet and detaining around 450 activists, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, according to Reuters.
The Sumud World Flotilla organizers stated that the ship “Marinette” was stopped approximately 79 kilometers off the Gaza coast. The Israeli military confirmed that it took control of the vessel, detaining all individuals on board. The ship was then directed toward the Israeli port of Ashdod.
In a written statement, the flotilla organizers condemned the actions, saying that the Israeli forces had illegally stopped all 42 ships of their fleet, each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and determination to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the deportation of activists and parliamentarians had begun. Four Italian nationals have already been repatriated, while others remain in the process of deportation. The ministry emphasized that all flotilla passengers are safe and that the process will be completed as quickly as possible.
International reactions were swift. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa joined global condemnation of Israel’s actions, calling it a “serious violation” against international solidarity and humanitarian efforts aimed at easing the suffering in Gaza.
The flotilla, which began its journey in August, carried medicines and food to Gaza and consisted of 40 ships with around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, symbolizing high-profile opposition to the Israeli blockade.
The flotilla’s progress through the Mediterranean drew global attention, with countries such as Turkey, Spain, and Italy sending ships and drones in case their citizens required assistance. Israel repeatedly warned that the flotilla would be turned back.
Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the interception as an “act of terror,” emphasizing that the safety of innocent civilians was jeopardized.
