Israeli Command Force Intercepts 40 Global Ships Of Sumud Flotilla, International Activists To Be Deported

Greta Thunberg and other activists detained from the global ambush of Sumud Flotilla. (Source: Israeli Foreign Ministry)

JAKARTA - Israeli forces intercepted and boarded dozens of ships participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) group, bringing activists and humanitarian aid inside to the Israeli port for later deportation.

The Israeli Navy from Wednesday night to Thursday morning intercepted a group of GSF ships trying to penetrate the blockade in the Gaza Strip.

Operations carried out by a commando unit from the Navy, Shayet 13 had boarded about 40 of the 47 GSF ships as of Thursday morning, detaining hundreds of activists on board after disrupting their signals, The Times of Israel reported as quoted October 2.

At least the four fleet ships were stuck at sea due to various technical problems, which were not linked to military action. The Navy will also detain activists on these ships or pull them to ports.

The Israeli military insists that none of the GSF ships have managed to reach Israeli-controlled waters off the coast of Gaza.

Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health. pic.twitter.com/pzzitP5jN8

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 2, 2025

Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safe and peaceful to Israel, where their deportation products to Europe will start. The passengers are safe and in good health. pic.twitter.com/pzzitP5jN8

"Several Hamas-Sumud fleet ships have been safely stopped and their passengers have been transferred to the Israeli port. Greta (Thunberg, Swedish activist) and her friends are safe and healthy," the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.

One of the Israeli Navy ships was seen arriving at Ashdod Harbor along with several activists detained from ships belonging to the GSF.

After being brought to Israel, the detained activists will be deported to Europe.

As previously reported, Israel's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said in a statement it had intercepted a number of aid fleet ships sailing into the Gaza Strip and taken them to the country's port.

The ships were about 70 nautical miles from war-torn enclaves when they were intercepted, within Israel's supervised zone to prevent any vessels from approaching.

The GSF, which transports medicine and food to Gaza, consists of more than 40 civilian ships with about 500 lawmakers, lawyers, and activists.