Summarized by AI.
Share Your Feedback
In the early hours of Wednesday, the Israeli military intercepted ships belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, including vessels Gaza Sunbirds, Alaa Al-Najjar, and Anas Al-Sharif, approximately 220 km off the coast of Gaza.
The operation began at 04:34 a.m., with Israeli naval forces boarding at least three boats in international waters. Most livestreams from the flotilla were reportedly disconnected during the operation.
Ships boarded, passengers safe
According to a post by the Israeli Foreign Ministry on X, the interception marked “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone.” The statement added that the vessels and passengers were transferred to an Israeli port and that all individuals were safe and in good health. Authorities said the passengers would be deported promptly.
Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly.— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 8, 2025
The flotilla was intercepted roughly 120 nautical miles from Gaza, with at least two boats taken under control by the Israeli navy. Organisers reported that some vessels, including the Marinette, were intercepted around 42.5 nautical miles (79 km) from Gaza.
As per reports, the boats were carrying vital aid worth over $110,000 USD in medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies for Gaza’s hospitals.
Previous interceptions
This incident follows last week’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, when the Israeli military stopped several vessels and detained approximately 450 activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg. Israeli army radio confirmed that the last ship of that flotilla was taken under control and led to Ashdod port.
The repeated naval interceptions highlight Israel’s ongoing enforcement of the Gaza blockade, which it describes as a security measure to prevent weapons smuggling. The flotilla organisers continue to maintain that their missions are humanitarian in nature, aiming to deliver aid and highlight the blockade’s humanitarian impact.
