Greta Thunberg is to be deported after her aid vessel was intercepted by the Israeli military as it neared the besieged Gaza Strip, Israeli officials have said.
The Israeli foreign ministry said that every vessel had been stopped from reaching the Strip in a statement on Thursday.
“All the passengers are safe and in good health,” it said. “They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe.”
One vessel appears to be lagging behind at a distance, Israel warned: “If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”
The move to intercept the Global Sumud Flotilla has sparked backlash from the international community, with Turkey’s foreign ministry calling Israel’s interception “an act of terror”.
Nearly 500 activists, including Thunberg, were sailing on around 44 boats carrying aid through the Mediterranean Sea for more than a month, looking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza as the enclave remained in the grip of widespread hunger.
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Key Points
- Greta Thunberg detained by Israeli military
- Israel says 'Greta Thunberg safe' as Gaza flotilla passengers 'transferred to Israeli port'
- Israel decries flotilla as 'PR stunt' and says activists will be deported
- 'If you see this video, our boat has been intercepted', crew member posts on social media
- 'We are a peaceful humanitarian mission', activists tell Israel
- Protests erupt across Europe after Israeli forces intercept aid flotilla
Mikeno vessel may have entered Palestinian territorial waters
06:00
,
Stuti Mishra
One of the flotilla’s vessels - the Mikeno - appeared to have got close to Gaza’s coast into the Palestinian territorial waters. However, the ship was later intercepted.
“Mikeno, sailing under the French flag, may have entered Palestinian territorial waters according to AIS data, but remains out of contact,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.
Photos: Protests in Mexico over Israeli interception of flotilla
05:15
,
Stuti Mishra
Reports of injuries among 14 Irish citizens detained after Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted
04:45
,
Stuti Mishra
At least 14 Irish citizens were detained after Israel intercepted a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, Ireland’s deputy premier has said.
Simon Harris, who is also the Foreign Affairs Minister, said there may be two other citizens whose presence is still being verified.
There are no reports of injuries among the Irish citizens, he said.
Read more:
Police use tear gas and water cannons on Gaza protest in Geneva
04:16
,
Stuti Mishra
Police sprayed tear gas on protesters in Geneva, Switzerland as they marched in support of the Gaza flotilla, eyewitnesses told Reuters news agency, which the police confirmed.
"We were retreating and suddenly got heavily gassed," an eyewitness told Reuters, describing a burning sensation in their eyes and difficultly breathing.
Israel's interception of the flotilla sparked protests in Geneva and Bern, as well as in Italy and Colombia.
Tear gas,water cannons trucks. it was peaceful and ended ugly..shame .. there was no reason for what happened..they could have used microphones to disperse people.. no one knew what was happening.. they caged people from all side.Geneva came out in solidarity with Gaza 02.10.2025 pic.twitter.com/0NoOoQyEE3
— Dr. Hana S. El-Gallal د. هناء القلال (@hacare) October 2, 2025
ICYMI: Moment Israeli military storms Gaza aid flotilla vessels
03:00
,
Joe Middleton
Israel says all vessels have been intercepted
02:00
,
Joe Middleton
The Israeli foreign ministry has announced that the Global Sumud’s Flotilla “provocation is over”.
None of the “provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade”, the Israeli foreign ministry wrote on Thursday.
“All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe.”
As Marinette and Mikeno appear to continue, it warned: “One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”
Colombia expels Israeli diplomats after citizens detained in flotilla interception
01:00
,
Joe Middleton
Colombia president announced the expulsion of all Israeli diplomats from his country after the Israeli military arrested two Colombian nationals during the interception of the flotilla carrying aid into Gaza.
In a statement, the office of Gustavo Petro said the Colombian women “who were engaged in human solidarity activities with Palestine" were detained by Israeli forces.
Amnesty International criticises Israeli interception of flotilla
Thursday 2 October 2025 23:59
,
Joe Middleton
Human rights group Amnesty International has called out Israel’s interception of the Gaza aid flotilla as a “calculated act of intimidation”.
The group called the action “a brazen assault against solidarity activists carrying out an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission,” Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said.
“This seizure comes after weeks of threats and incitement by Israeli officials against the flotilla and its participants and after several attempts to sabotage some of its ships,” he continued.
The head of Amnesty called for the unconditional release of all activists.
“The very fact that they had to set sail in the first place is a clear indictment of the international community’s persistent failure to end Israel’s ongoing genocide and to ensure the unhindered flow of aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
UN warns Israeli interception widens scope of unlawful blockade
Thursday 2 October 2025 23:00
,
Joe Middleton
The UN has commented on the Israeli interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
“As the occupying power, Israel must ensure food and medical supplies for the population to the fullest extent of the means available, or to agree to and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief schemes, delivered rapidly and without hindrance," UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said in an email to Reuters.
Mr Al-Kheetan called on Israel to respect the rights of detained volunteers.
Israel says all vessels have been intercepted
Thursday 2 October 2025 21:00
,
Maira Butt
The Israeli foreign ministry has announced that the Global Sumud’s Flotilla “provocation is over”.
None of the “provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade”, the Israeli foreign ministry wrote on Thursday.
“All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe.”
As Marinette and Mikeno appear to continue, it warned: “One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”
Israeli authorities allow volunteers access to lawyers after being denied, say organisers
Thursday 2 October 2025 20:30
,
Maira Butt
“After Israeli authorities initially denied access and began hearings without prior consultation, Adalah’s legal team has now entered the port and will carry out consultations,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.
Watch: Greta Thunberg detained by Israeli forces after Gaza aid vessel intercepted
Thursday 2 October 2025 20:03
,
Maira Butt
Mikeno vessel may have entered Palestinian territorial waters
Thursday 2 October 2025 19:30
,
Maira Butt
“Mikeno, sailing under the French flag, may have entered Palestinian territorial waters according to AIS data, but remains out of contact,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.
“Marinette, sailing under the Polish flag, is still connected via Starlink and in communication, carrying a total of 6 passengers on board.”
Israel has denied any boats entered Palestinian or Israeli territory.
Watch: Moment Israeli military storms Gaza aid flotilla vessels
Thursday 2 October 2025 19:00
,
Maira Butt
Germany calls for protection of Flotilla volunteers
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:33
,
Maira Butt
Germany has joined several nations urging Israel to protect the rights of its civilians.
"We were in contact with the Israeli government and called on them to comply with their obligations under international law and to act with proportionality,” a spokesperson said.
“We also called for the protection of all those on board to be guaranteed, to our knowledge, this has been done," said the spokesperson.”
Israel says Greta Thunberg is ‘safe’ as Gaza aid flotilla intercepted by military
Thursday 2 October 2025 18:00
,
Maira Butt
Greta Thunberg’s aid flotilla was intercepted by Israeli military and its crew detained as it made its final approach to Gaza, Israeli officials have confirmed.
Three vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla were cut off by a naval blockade around 70 nautical miles, or 130km, from the besieged strip at around 8:30pm Gaza time on Wednesday evening, according to activists on board.
In pictures: Israeli navy forces board Gaza-bound vessel
Thursday 2 October 2025 17:31
,
Maira Butt
At least 14 Irish citizens detained after Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted
Thursday 2 October 2025 17:01
,
Maira Butt
Flotilla vessel enters port of Ashdod, as Israel readies volunteers for deportation
Thursday 2 October 2025 16:30
,
Maira Butt
Eyewitnesses have told Reuters that volunteers aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have arrived in Ashdod.
Israel says all vessels have been intercepted and none entered Palestinian territorial waters.
An Israeli warship has docked at Ashdod port with 500 Global Sumud Flotilla activists on board, after they were seized by the Israeli army while attempting to break the siege on Gaza pic.twitter.com/D37FUKWKbE
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025
UN warns Israeli interception widens scope of unlawful blockade
Thursday 2 October 2025 16:01
,
Maira Butt
The UN has commented on the Israeli interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
“As the occupying power, Israel must ensure food and medical supplies for the population to the fullest extent of the means available, or to agree to and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief schemes, delivered rapidly and without hindrance," UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said in an email to Reuters.
Mr Al-Kheetan called on Israel to respect the rights of detained volunteers.
Amnesty International criticises Israeli interception of flotilla
Thursday 2 October 2025 15:30
,
Maira Butt
Human rights group Amnesty International has called out Israel’s interception of the Gaza aid flotilla as a “calculated act of intimidation”.
The group called the action “a brazen assault against solidarity activists carrying out an entirely peaceful humanitarian mission,” Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said.
“This seizure comes after weeks of threats and incitement by Israeli officials against the flotilla and its participants and after several attempts to sabotage some of its ships,” he continued.
The head of Amnesty called for the unconditional release of all activists.
“The very fact that they had to set sail in the first place is a clear indictment of the international community’s persistent failure to end Israel’s ongoing genocide and to ensure the unhindered flow of aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
Woman onboard Gaza flotilla intercepted by Israel slams British government for not intervening to help aid mission
Thursday 2 October 2025 14:50
,
Maira Butt
A woman onboard an aid flotilla intercepted by the Israeli military en route to Gaza has called on the UK government to intervene to allow the safe passage of the boat to the war-torn territory.
Ewa Jasiewicz was aboard one of 44 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is delivering aid to the war-torn territory. She was sailing the treacherous journey 15 years after witnessing Israeli forces kill nine of her fellow activists during a raid on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in 2010.
Alex Croft reports:
Colombia expels Israeli diplomats after citizens detained in flotilla interception
Thursday 2 October 2025 14:15
,
Maira Butt
Colombia president announced the expulsion of all Israeli diplomats from his country after the Israeli military arrested two Colombian nationals during the interception of the flotilla carrying aid into Gaza.
In a statement, the office of Gustavo Petro said the Colombian women “who were engaged in human solidarity activities with Palestine" were detained by Israeli forces.
International leaders condemn Israeli interception as protests erupt across Europe
Thursday 2 October 2025 14:00
,
Maira Butt
Over 10,000 protesters have gathered in Italy to demonstrate against the interception as the international community censures the action.
Turkey’s foreign minister called the move an “act of terror” while representatives for Irish party Sinn Féin, called it a “kidnapping”.
Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats on Wednesday accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “a new international crime”.
Protests are set to take place across the UK with a demonstration to take place at Parliament Square on Thursday.
US Senator Ed Markey urges Trump to use relationship with Netanyahu to protect flotilla
Thursday 2 October 2025 13:45
,
Maira Butt
Senator Ed Markey issued a message on Wednesday urging American leader Donald Trump to use his close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to protect the Flotilla.
Israeli forces detained activists on board the fleet of 54 boats carrying aid to Gaza.
“Trump should use his relationship with Netanyahu to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla,” he wrote on X/Twitter.
“These are peaceful civilian vessels bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Americans are on board, including from Massachusetts. We must resolve this crisis peacefully.”
UK Foreign Office 'very concerned' about Flotilla, warns Israel it expects 'situation to be resolved safely'
Thursday 2 October 2025 13:20
,
Maira Butt
The UK Foreign Office has said it is “very concerned about the situation with the Sumud Flotilla”.
“We have been in contact with the Israeli authorities to make clear we expect the situation to be resolved safely,” the UK Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday.
“We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved.”
Over 500 activists and professionals of 44 nationalities are represented on the fleet carrying aid to Gaza.
443 Flotilla volunteers 'forcibly taken from their vessels', say organisers
Thursday 2 October 2025 12:45
,
Maira Butt
“Adalah lawyers, who represent the flotilla participants before Israeli authorities, have been given minimal updates and have not been informed on whether the estimated 443 flotilla volunteers, who were forcibly taken from their vessels, are expected to arrive at Ashdod, where they are expected to be processed under illegal detention,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.
It said that several boats were stopped by a “chain-link barrier”.
Israeli navy escorts activists to Ashdod
Thursday 2 October 2025 12:31
,
Maira Butt
Activists in orange life jackets sit aboard a Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla boat as Israeli navy soldiers sail it into Ashdod, Israel on Thursday after it was intercepted off the Gaza coast.
Brit aid worker with GSF says vessel to revert back to Cyprus due to 'increased risk'
Thursday 2 October 2025 12:16
,
Maira Butt
Ruhi Loren, an aid worker aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, says that the last remaining vessel is turning around and travelling towards Cyprus.
Watch: Moment Israeli military storms Gaza aid flotilla vessels
Thursday 2 October 2025 12:00
,
Maira Butt
Mikeno vessel may have entered Palestinian territorial waters
Thursday 2 October 2025 11:44
,
Maira Butt
“Mikeno, sailing under the French flag, may have entered Palestinian territorial waters according to AIS data, but remains out of contact,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement on Thursday.
“Marinette, sailing under the Polish flag, is still connected via Starlink and in communication, carrying a total of 6 passengers on board.”
The boat is one of one to four remaining vessels.
Israel warns final vessel will be 'prevented' if it continues
Thursday 2 October 2025 11:48
,
Maira Butt
The Israeli foreign ministry has announced that the Global Sumud’s Flotilla “provocation is over”.
None of the “provocation yachts has succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or breach the lawful naval blockade”, the Israeli foreign ministry wrote on Thursday.
“All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe.”
As Marinette and Mikeno appear to continue, it warned: “One last vessel of this provocation remains at a distance. If it approaches, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and breach the blockade will also be prevented.”
Nelson Mandela's grandson releases message following detention
Thursday 2 October 2025 11:22
,
Maira Butt
Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela has shared a pre-recorded message following his detention by Israeli forces after an interception of several vessels part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
“I am participating in a non-violent mission on the Global Sumud Flotilla, taking humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” he said in a video released on social media on Thursday.
“If you are receiving this video it means I have been intercepted and abducted.
“I call on citizens of South Africa to call on the government for my immediate release.”
Vessel still sailing stopped miles away from Gaza
Thursday 2 October 2025 11:01
,
Maira Butt
The Mikeno vessel is marked as “sailing” on the Global Sumud Flotilla tracker, located miles away from the Gaza Strip. However, it appears to have been stopped, listed as moving at a speed of 0 knots.
In pictures: Israel foreign ministry releases images of Flotilla detainees after interception
Thursday 2 October 2025 10:43
,
Maira Butt
South Africa calls Israel interception 'grave offence'
Thursday 2 October 2025 10:15
,
Maira Butt
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that Israeli interception of a Gaza aid flotilla is a "grave offence" against "global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza".
Mr Ramaphosa called on Israel to immediately release South African citizens including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela.
One to four boats continuing towards Gaza, say organisers
Thursday 2 October 2025 09:52
,
Maira Butt
Israeli forces have intercepted 39 boats carrying activists and aid to Gaza.
Only one boat remains sailing towards the Strip, according to Reuters.
The Global Sumud Flotilla tracker shows four boats continue to travel. Two boats appear to be legal support vessels.
The fleet was 70 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza when it was intercepted.
‘After joining the deadly 2010 Gaza flotilla, I’m now sailing again. I’m worried Israel will kill us’
Thursday 2 October 2025 09:36
,
Maira Butt
Watch: Greta Thunberg detained by Israeli forces after Gaza aid vessel intercepted
Thursday 2 October 2025 09:25
,
Maira Butt
Nine Irish citizens detained by Israeli forces as Ireland convenes meeting
Thursday 2 October 2025 09:12
,
Maira Butt
Irish deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris will convene a meeting of senior officials this morning to discuss the fate of 20 Irish citizens on board the Global Sumud Flotilla.
“The overriding concern remains the welfare of those on board, including Irish citizens,” the department for foreign affairs said in a statement.
“Our latest understanding is that passengers will be transferred to an Israeli port for processing and that Ireland’s embassy on the ground will liaise with local authorities and provide consular assistance.”
Twenty Irish citizens are on board the fleet of ships sailing to Gaza with aid, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews. Mr Andrews was among the nine Irish citizens detained after an Israeli interception.
Spain's Labour Minister hits out at Israel for 'crime against international law'
Thursday 2 October 2025 08:51
,
Maira Butt
Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s Labour Minister, has accused Israel of a “crime against international law”.
“Israel's attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla is a crime against international law,” she wrote on Blue Sky.
“We demand that Israel immediately release any detainees. The EU must sever relations with Israel now.”
UK Foreign Office 'very concerned' about Flotilla, warns Israel it expects 'situation to be resolved safely'
Thursday 2 October 2025 08:39
,
Maira Butt
The UK Foreign Office has said it is “very concerned about the situation with the Sumud Flotilla”.
“We have been in contact with the Israeli authorities to make clear we expect the situation to be resolved safely,” the UK Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday.
“We are in touch with the families of a number of British nationals involved.”
Over 500 activists and professionals of 44 nationalities are represented on the fleet carrying aid to Gaza.
Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico and Pakistan join Italy, Turkey and Colombia to condemn Israeli military interception
Thursday 2 October 2025 08:17
,
Maira Butt
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has criticised Israel’s actions in relation to the Gaza Flotilla calling it “intimidation and coercion”.
“These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza.”
Brazil demanded Israel “immediately and unconditionally lift all restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip”.
Mexico’s foreign ministry has demanded that Israel protect its citizens.
Pakistan called the detention of activists “unlawful”, a “reprehensible act” and part of an “ongoing pattern of aggression by Israel”.
International leaders condemn Israeli interception as protests erupt
Thursday 2 October 2025 08:10
,
Maira Butt
Over 10,000 protesters have gathered in Italy to demonstrate against the interception as the international community censures the action.
Turkey’s foreign minister called the move an “act of terror” while representatives for Irish party Sinn Féin, called it a “kidnapping”.
Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats on Wednesday accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “a new international crime”.
Protests are set to take place across the UK with a demonstration to take place at Parliament Square on Thursday.
In pictures: Israeli navy forces board Gaza-bound vessel
Thursday 2 October 2025 07:50
,
Maira Butt
