 "On Wednesday, the Israeli military intercepted and boarded vessels from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, including the Thousand Madleens to Gaza and Conscience (X/@GlobalSumudFlotilla).")
The Israeli military has intercepted several boats belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla as they approached Gaza. According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, vessels from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, including Thousand Madleens to Gaza and Conscience, were boarded by the military approximately 120 nautical miles from Gaza. The group reported that at least two vessels were boarded and most livestreams were disconnected, while military forces attempted to divert their route.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the flotilla as a ‘futile effort to violate the lawful naval blockade and enter a combat zone.'
The ministry confirmed that both the vessels and passengers were transferred to Israel, noting that all passengers are ‘safe and in good health.’ It added that the passengers detained are ’expected to be deported promptly.’
This follows Israel’s deportation of many activists, including Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who were detained earlier after being stopped as part of the same flotilla movement. Israeli authorities said Monday they deported to Greece and Slovakia another 171 people detained for taking part in Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
During detention, activists alleged mistreatment, including claims that Thunberg was “paraded like a trophy wrapped in an Israeli flag” and that she was dragged by her hair and forced to kiss the flag.
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More ShortsIsraeli authorities rejected mistreatment accusations that had emerged in interviews with activists who were deported to Turkey, Spain and Italy over the weekend. Israel’s government also vehemently denied claims that its offensive in Gaza amounts to genocide.
On October 7, 2025, the conflict in Gaza entered its third year. Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed in Cairo, Egypt, even as global protests continued. Demonstrations erupted in Turkey, Mexico, New York, Brazil and other countries, with thousands calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.