Global Sumud Flotilla: Flotilla ship approaches Gaza – Reactions to ship interceptions
How many ships continue to Gaza - Israel has intercepted most of the flotilla's ships.
Demand protection and safety for the global sumud flotilla's crew from yours governments pic.twitter.com/aqJtP7papL
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025
Israel 's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza , provoked strong international reactions from the countries whopse citizens are on the mission.
Many countries condemned Israel's actions, citing violations of international law, while at the same time, governments, including Greece, which had 4 boats with Greek citizens in the flotilla, state that they are closely monitoring the situation, providing support to those on board the ships and calling for the safe delivery of aid to Gaza.
Message from Mandala Mandela grandson of Nelson Mandela as Israeli ships are approaching towards his boat for interception pic.twitter.com/loRuDErl6e
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025
According to the Live map showing the location of each boat in the flotilla, one of them has reached Gaza's territorial waters. The Mikeno has entered Gaza's territorial waters. Israel continues to intercept boats near Gaza.
The reactions
The British government expressed "great concern" about Israel's interception of the flotilla. The Foreign Office said it was in contact with the families of British citizens on board.
Britain stressed that the flotilla's humanitarian aid must be delivered safely to organizations on the ground so that it can reach the people of Gaza. It called on Israel to immediately lift restrictions so that the UN and NGOs can provide food, medicine and basic goods.
The Australian government, in turn, said it was aware of "arrests" of activists by the Israeli army and was ready to offer consular assistance to its citizens, and called on all sides to respect international law and ensure the safety of those on board.
Spain summoned the top Israeli envoy to Madrid after the flotilla was intercepted. The Spanish Foreign Minister said 65 Spaniards were travelling on the ships. It is worth recalling that last year Israel withdrew its ambassador from Spain after Madrid recognised a Palestinian state.
Turkey called the Israeli intervention a "terrorist act" that endangered innocent civilians. The Istanbul prosecutor has launched an investigation into the arrest of the 24 Turkish citizens on board the ships.
Brazil also condemned Israel's intervention, as the flotilla also included Brazilians, including a congresswoman. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of violating rights and endangering "peaceful protesters."
Israel: "Activists are safe"
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that the activists who were arrested are “safe and well” and that deportation procedures to Europe will begin. Of the 44 ships carrying humanitarian aid, Israel has stopped 32 so far.
Call for "safe passage" and arrests
Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, who is on one of the ships, has called on the international community to press for safe passage to Gaza. He called on governments to demand the immediate release of activists if arrested.
Lawyers on board the ships are documenting violations of international law by Israel. This evidence will be sent to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. According to Al Jazeera's correspondent, several ships are still trying to reach Gaza while another flotilla has set off from Sicily towards Gaza.
Among the ships intercepted was the one carrying activist Greta Thunberg, who according to Israeli authorities is among those arrested.
What happens to the Greek citizens of the flotilla?
According to the information from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 27 Greeks participating in the "Global Sumud Flotilla" mission, including MP Pete Perka, headed to the war-torn region of Gaza, are in good health and there is no indication that violence was used against them.
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