Israel intercepts Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, detains activists

Key facts

• The flotilla comprised more than 50 boats that set sail from Marseille, Barcelona and Syracuse.
• 22 of 58 vessels were intercepted by the Israeli military; 36 remain sailing toward Gaza.
• 17 Australians were volunteering on the flotilla; six were aboard intercepted vessels.
• Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said detained crew would be taken to Greece in coordination with the Greek government.
• Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon called the flotilla 'provocative' and 'a group of delusional attention-seeking agitators'.
• The flotilla's media liaison Jane Salmon confirmed 14 Australians had set sail from Italy.
• Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi described the humanitarians as 'the best of humanity' being stopped by 'the worst of humanity'.

A humanitarian mission halted at sea

Israeli naval forces have intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off the coast of Crete, boarding and disabling multiple vessels as they attempted to deliver aid to Gaza. The operation, which involved military speedboats, drones, and communications jamming, unfolded early Thursday morning, according to the flotilla's social media posts. "In a violent raid in international waters, Israeli naval forces have intercepted, boarded, and systematically disabled various boats," the organisation said. Participants were ordered to the front of the boats and to get on their hands and knees at gunpoint, with lasers and semi-automatic weapons pointed at them.

Activists describe a 'straight-up attack'

Gur Tsabar, a spokesperson for the flotilla, described the boarding as "a straight-up attack on unarmed civilian boats in international waters." Speaking from Toronto, he said the operation was taking place "hundreds of miles from Israel" and that the flotilla was "surrounded and threatened at gunpoint." "This is illegal under international law. Israel has no jurisdiction in these waters. Boarding these boats amounts to illegal detention – potentially kidnapping on the high seas," Tsabar said. The flotilla called on governments to act immediately to protect the vessels.

Australians among those detained

At least six Australians were aboard intercepted vessels, including Zack Schofield, a Newcastle man whose partner Sarah Willing watched a video of his abduction minutes after receiving a text message saying he loved her. "How would you feel if that was your partner?" she said through tears. Other Australians confirmed on intercepted ships include Bianca Webb-Pullman, Ethan Floyd, Neve O'Connor, Surya McEwan, and Cameron Tribe. In total, 17 Australians were known to be volunteering on the flotilla, though it remains unclear how many are still en route to Gaza.

Israel defends interception as 'provocative'

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, confirmed the interception on social media, writing: "Another provocative flotilla was stopped before reaching our area." He described the activists as "delusional attention-seeking agitators" and said Israeli soldiers acted with "determination." Israel's Foreign Ministry dismissed the flotilla as a "PR stunt" and claimed that "the driving force behind the flotilla provocation is Hamas – joining hands with professional provocateurs." Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the detained crew would be taken to Greece "in coordination with the Greek government," thanking Athens for its willingness to receive them.

Aid mission amid devastating blockade

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail in recent weeks from Marseille, Barcelona, and Syracuse, carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, which has been under a crippling blockade. According to the UN World Food Program, Israel's bombardment and starvation campaign has killed more than 72,000 people and destroyed the territory's infrastructure, leaving just four per cent of its cropland undamaged and accessible. The flotilla's tracker map showed 22 boats had been intercepted while 36 were still sailing toward Gaza. The organisation said the boats were approached by military speedboats that self-identified as 'Israel' and ordered participants to the front of the boats.

International law and political reactions

Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi condemned the interception, telling reporters: "These humanitarians are the best of humanity, and they are being stopped and intercepted by the worst of humanity." The flotilla's legal team is expected to challenge the detention, arguing that Israel has no jurisdiction in international waters. Israeli officials have framed the operation as a necessary measure against provocation, but activists and supporters insist the mission was purely humanitarian. The fate of the remaining 36 boats and their crews remains uncertain as they continue sailing toward Gaza.

The bottom line

• Israeli forces intercepted 22 of 58 vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Crete, using armed boarding parties and jamming technology.
• At least 17 Australians were volunteering; six were aboard intercepted ships, with their families demanding action.
• Israel's government called the flotilla a 'PR stunt' and blamed Hamas, while activists denounced the boarding as illegal under international law.
• Detained crew members are being taken to Greece in coordination with the Greek government, not Israel.
• The flotilla aimed to deliver aid to Gaza, where over 72,000 people have been killed and infrastructure devastated, according to the UN.
• The interception has drawn sharp political reactions, with Australian Senator Mehreen Faruqi condemning Israel's actions.