The Global Sumud Flotilla, a coalition of dozens of civilian vessels, filled with humanitarian aid attempted to sail to Gaza and break Israel’s long-standing illegal blockade of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people. With participants from over 45 countries, the flotilla sought to peacefully deliver medicine, food, and solidarity with the people of Palestine, who have been undergoing a genocide caused by Israel for nearly two years. 

However, the mission of the flotilla was cut short when the Israeli occupation forces intercepted the flotilla, forcibly boarded the ships and kidnapped all the activists abroad in international waters, 70 nautical miles off the shore of Gaza during the night of  1-2 October . Over 450 activists were illegally detained and taken to Ashdod by the occupation forces. Most of the crews of the Gobal Sumud Flotilla have now been transferred to Ktzi’ot prison, known for its degrading and inhumane treatment of the prisoners. 

Legal experts argue the Israeli action likely violated the UN Convention on the law of the sea, which protects freedom of navigation in international waters and affirms the right to deliver humanitarian aid. The organisers and people onboard insist that the flotilla is a non-violent operation, with the clear goal of breaking the siege and delivering greatly needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. 

The flotilla was supported by several European countries, with Italy and Spain sending vessels to shadow the convoy, however later claiming it was only a precaution and abandoning the flotilla when it reached the so-called ‘danger zone’. Greece and Turkey supported the flotilla diplomatically, affirming the right to deliver aid and condemning Israel’s illegal actions. 

Despite this, the Israeli forces proceeded with the kidnapping, and National security minister Ben-Gvir toured the seized vessels, and stated that the activists on board were ’terrorists’, despite having found no military equipment or weapons on board and accused them of working with the resistance. The flotilla organizers condemn this labelling, rejecting it as a political smear that violates international humanitarian norms. 

There are currently 15 British citizens amongst the kidnapped activists, and the British government is refusing to take a stand or protect its citizens, but the people of England are fighting for them. Protests have sparked all over Britain, from Glasgow to Cardiff. from Liverpool to London. Clashes with the police became more abundant. Kettling, unlawful arrests and police violence were present at  the London demonstrations in solidarity with the flotilla. 

The interception sparked global outrage, with mass protests erupting in cities all over Europe, Latin America and North Africa. The demonstrations are calling for the end of the genocide in Gaza, alongside the release of all the humanitarian activists on board of the ships. In Italy, dockworkers unions refused to handle Israeli cargo, and in Brazil, students have set up encampments throughout numerous universities. 

The Global Sumud Flotilla underscores the tension between state security claims and civilian humanitarian activism. The forcible interception, the kidnapping of unarmed volunteers in international waters, and harsh rhetoric from Israeli officials have escalated not only a legal battle, but a global mobilization. As thousands around the world demand justice, the fate of the detained activists and the future of sea-based aid to Gaza remain deeply contested by people globally. 

Despite the interception, the flotilla had one unexpected achievement. Due to the occupation forces being focused on stopping of the boats, the people of Gaza were able to fish for the first time since the start of the genocide. See here. In the situation where starvation has been a key weapon of war this is no small thing. 

As calls for accountability grow louder all over the world, the Sumud Flotilla has become a symbol of peace, resistance and solidarity with the people of Palestine. 

Free the Sumud Flotilla! Free Palestine, and solidarity with all oppressed people of the world. 

NB: Featured image: Global Sumud Flotilla leaving from Sidi Bou SaidTunisTunisia 07-09-2025

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