The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) announced that their Gaza-bound humanitarian mission, the Global Sumud Flotilla, was intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters, approximately 80 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. The interception led to the detention of several activists on board, sparking widespread international outcry and a series of global protests.

According to the FFC, Israeli naval forces forcibly boarded the Flotilla's vessel, Sirius, along with five other ships, severing all live streams and communications. The status of those on board remained uncertain for hours following the incident. The FFC condemned the action in strong terms, describing it as an "illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians" and urged governments and international organizations to intervene for the immediate safety and release of the detainees.

Despite the interception, nine other boats are reportedly continuing their journey towards Gaza, determined to break the Israeli blockade. Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, responded by stating that the detained crew members would be deported after Yom Kippur, criticizing the flotilla as a "PR stunt" and a violation of Israeli sovereignty. The Israeli foreign ministry labeled the flotilla’s efforts as mere "provocation," claiming affiliation with Hamas and offering to channel the aid through official Israeli mechanisms.

The flotilla, featuring prominent activists like Greta Thunberg, set sail in September with the aim of delivering essential supplies to Gaza and challenging what they describe as an inhumane blockade. The interception has resulted in protests in cities such as Athens, Rome, and Berlin, with demonstrators calling for the immediate release of the flotilla participants and the allowance of aid into Gaza.

Amnesty International has criticized the Israeli action as an "attack on international law and basic humanity." This incident recalls similar past events, most notably the 2010 Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara flotilla, which resulted in multiple civilian casualties. More recently, in June 2025, Israel intercepted the British-flagged ship Madleen, detaining its crew.

Al-Jazeera journalist Hassan Massoud, reporting from aboard the flotilla, noted that lawyers are documenting potential violations of international humanitarian and maritime law by Israel, with plans to present these findings to the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In a defiant update, the Global Sumud Flotilla announced that one of their remaining vessels, the Mikeno, successfully breached the Israeli blockade, reaching Gaza's territorial waters. This ongoing saga continues to draw significant global attention, highlighting the complex and volatile nature of Gaza's geopolitical situation.