Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla as Activists Face Heightened Tensions

Thu Oct 23 2025 12:00:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Israeli navy has intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, prompting concerns over the safety of activists aboard the vessels, including political figures and climate activists.

The Israeli navy directed the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) to change course as they approached Gaza, resulting in reports of military personnel boarding several vessels. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the flotilla was violating a naval blockade, although it's unclear if they had entered restricted waters. French and Italian officials are monitoring the situation closely, ensuring the safety of those on board, which includes notable activists.

The Israeli navy has told a flotilla carrying aid towards Gaza to change course, as activists say the boats have been intercepted.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) wrote on social media that some of its vessels had been boarded by military personnel after being approached by Israeli ships and that it was working to confirm the status of those aboard.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the navy had warned the flotilla it was approaching an active combat zone. Israel has not yet confirmed it has boarded any vessels.

Israel has previously stated it would not allow the flotilla to reach its destination. An earlier attempt saw activists detained by Israeli forces and taken to shore.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry claimed that the flotilla had been informed it was violating a lawful naval blockade that covers the waters next to Gaza, although it is unclear if the boats had entered the blockade zone.

The GSF reported that multiple ships, including the Alma, one of its main vessels, along with the Surius and the Adara, had been intercepted and boarded.

The activists accused the Israeli military of deliberately damaging ship communications in an effort to block distress signals and halt the livestream of their boarding.

Despite the intercept, several webcams continued to livestream, showing the activists aboard the ships. The GSF noted that they were 70 nautical miles from Gaza's shoreline and hoped to arrive by Thursday morning.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed the interception and stated that France has ensured any boarding operation would occur under optimal security conditions.

Italy's foreign minister reassured that Israeli forces would exercise caution and avoid violence against the 500 individuals aboard the flotilla, which includes Italian politicians and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Antonio Tajani expressed confidence that discussions with Israeli officials would guarantee a non-violent approach during the boarding.

Israel has blocked previous attempts by activists to deliver aid to Gaza by ship this year in June and July.

In response to the developments, Italy and Greece urged Israel to ensure the safety and security of the activists and remain vigilant of the situation.