Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters on October 1, 2025, boarding multiple vessels and detaining around 500 activists from 46 countries who were en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The convoy carried symbolic supplies including medical kits and baby formula to underscore the blockade’s effects amid Gaza’s ongoing crisis after 18 months of war.
Israel described the action as enforcement of its naval blockade to prevent arms smuggling to Hamas, while organisers and international figures condemned it as a violation of maritime law.
