Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying around 450 activists including Greta Thunberg, and brought them to Ashdod for processing and deportation.
Countries like South Africa condemned the interception as a violation of international law, highlighting concerns for detained activists, including Mandela’s grandson.
Israeli authorities defended the operation as protecting national security, while legal experts criticized the deportation hearings for lacking due process and raising questions about Gaza’s humanitarian blockade.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla—a convoy of over 40 vessels carrying approximately 450 international activists—on October 1, 2025, as it approached Gaza's maritime border.
The flotilla, which included prominent figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and protest Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities have stated that all intercepted vessels were brought to the port of Ashdod for processing and deportation. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the passengers are "safe and in good health" and will be deported to Europe.
The interception has drawn widespread international condemnation. South Africa has called for the immediate release of detained activists, including Nkosi Zwelivelile "Mandla" Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. President Cyril Ramaphosa described the action as a "grave violation of international law" and a setback to efforts aimed at alleviating Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
In Israel, the operation has sparked domestic debates. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the interception, labeling the flotilla as a "delegitimization campaign" against Israel. However, legal experts have raised concerns over the legality of the deportation proceedings. The Adalah Legal Center reported that deportation hearings were initiated without prior notice to lawyers and without allowing detainees access to legal counsel, calling the actions a "grave violation of due process."
As of now, one vessel, the "Marinette," remains unaccounted for, and its status is being closely monitored. The incident has reignited global debates over the legality and humanitarian implications of Israel's blockade on Gaza. Protests have erupted in several countries, and calls for international intervention are growing louder.
This development underscores the complex and contentious nature of international efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by activists and governments alike in navigating the legal and political landscapes surrounding the region.
