Activists stand in front of one of the Gaza-bound civilian flotilla Sumud’s boats as it is docked at the port in Larnaca, Cyprus, on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Israeli forces intercepted the last boat of the Gaza flotilla on Friday, sparking global protests and political outrage. The flotilla was part of an international campaign to break Israel’s sea blockade on Gaza. Hundreds of activists from around the world were detained, deepening tensions already fueled by the ongoing war in Gaza.
The Last Boat Stopped
The final vessel, Marinette, was trailing behind other boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla. A livestream showed Israeli troops boarding it early Friday. This came a day after the navy stormed 41 boats and detained around 450 activists. Israeli authorities said all would be deported.
The flotilla carried symbolic humanitarian aid, representing the largest attempt yet to breach the blockade. High-profile figures such as Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela, and several European lawmakers were among those detained. Israeli officials had warned Marinette would face the same fate if it continued its journey.
By Friday, four Italian parliamentarians detained in the operation had been deported back to Rome. “We had a very difficult night. Now we must bring everyone home,” said Marco Croatti, an Italian lawmaker.
Global Demonstrations Erupt
The flotilla crackdown triggered waves of demonstrations across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Tens of thousands marched in Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, and beyond. Protesters carried Palestinian flags, chanting “Free Palestine!”
In Italy, the country’s largest unions called for a one-day strike in solidarity. Railways, flights, and schools were disrupted as workers joined the protests. Clashes with police broke out in several cities as activists stormed stations and blocked traffic.
Israeli Minister Mocks Activists
In Ashdod, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir confronted the detained activists. In widely circulated footage, he accused them of supporting “terrorism” and mocked their aid efforts.
The activists, representing over 40 countries, sat on the floor as Ben-Gvir delivered his remarks. One voice responded with “Free Palestine,” though it was unclear who spoke. Israel’s Foreign Ministry later confirmed that deportations were underway and insisted the process would be completed quickly.
Heavy Security Amid Yom Kippur
Hundreds of police officers were deployed in Ashdod to manage the detentions. The operation coincided with Yom Kippur, one of Judaism’s holiest days. Israeli officials have repeatedly claimed flotilla members had links to Hamas, though little evidence has been provided. Activists rejected the allegations, emphasizing their mission was purely humanitarian.
Activists Vow to Return
One vessel, Summertime Jong, turned back before interception and returned to Cyprus with 21 people aboard. Its captain, Palestinian activist Osama Qashoo, described the mission as supporting the larger flotilla. “We are on the right side of history by standing with the oppressed,” he said.
Malaysian activist Nadi Al-Nuri, a flotilla steering committee member, said their mission would continue. “We will do this again and again until we reach our end. That end is stopping the genocide and liberating Palestine,” she declared.
More Boats Already on the Way
Despite the interceptions, another flotilla with nine vessels had already departed from Italy last week. Organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza, it carried dozens of activists and was still days from Palestinian shores.
The latest events highlight the intensifying global response to the Gaza conflict. While Israel continues to enforce its blockade, activists insist their mission is far from over.
