Israeli Navy Diverts Gaza Aid Flotilla Amid Interception Claims by Activists

Fri Oct 17 2025 04:15:42 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Israeli navy has intercepted a flotilla delivering aid to Gaza, prompting activists to report that vessels were boarded. Amidst escalating tensions, both Israel and foreign officials respond.

The Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza reported that its ships were intercepted by the Israeli navy. As Israel urged the flotilla to alter its course, activists raised alarms over onboard safety and claimed military personnel had boarded their vessels. Foreign officials from France and Italy are closely monitoring the situation, aiming to ensure the security of the 500 passengers, including notable figures and activists.

The Israeli navy has told a flotilla carrying aid towards Gaza to change course, as activists claim the boats have been intercepted.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) wrote on social media that some of its vessels had been boarded by 'military personnel' after being approached by Israeli ships and that it was working to confirm the status of those aboard.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated the navy had instructed the flotilla to alter its course as it was 'approaching an active combat zone.' Israel has not yet confirmed it has boarded any vessels.

Israel has previously declared it would not allow the flotilla to reach its destination. An earlier attempt saw activists detained by Israeli forces and taken to shore.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry indicated that the flotilla was 'violating a lawful naval blockade' surrounding the waters adjacent to Gaza, though it remains unclear if the boats had entered the blockade zone.

The GSF mentioned multiple ships, including the Alma, had been intercepted and boarded.

Prior to that, it accused the Israeli military of 'intentionally damaging ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the livestream of their illegal boat boarding'.

Several webcams are still livestreaming and show activists aboard the ships, approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza's shoreline.

The flotilla aims to arrive by Thursday morning. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that the GSF flotilla was being intercepted and emphasized ensuring the operation's safety.

Italy's Foreign Minister spoke with Israeli officials, ensuring that armed forces would not resort to violence against the approximately 500 people aboard, including Italian politicians and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Israel previously barred two attempts by activists to deliver aid by ship to Gaza in June and July. Both Italy and Greece are monitoring the situation and have urged Israel to ensure the activists' safety and security.