Gaza aid flotilla presses on despite Israeli interceptions
A screengrab from a live stream video shows crew of a Gaza-bound vessel, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, raise their hands as they are surrounded by Israel Defense Forces, October 2, 2025. Global Sumud Flotilla/Handout via REUTERS
More than 40 civilian boats, carrying around 500 people and laden with food and medical supplies, are attempting to reach Gaza under the banner of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Israeli interceptions: Flotilla organisers say the Israeli navy has already intercepted at least 13 vessels, with several boarded and redirected to Israeli ports.
Among those detained is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, with the Israeli foreign ministry releasing video of her arrest about 75 miles off Gaza’s coast
Ongoing mission: Despite the interceptions, flotilla organisers said that 30 boats remain en route, now 46 nautical miles from Gaza, and vowed the mission will continue undeterred.
Symbol of defiance: The mission has become one of the most high-profile challenges to Israel’s blockade of Gaza in years, with activists and supplies intended to highlight humanitarian suffering in the war-torn territory.
Four more Malaysians participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission were confirmed to be on board ships intercepted by Israeli forces in Gaza waters this morning.
Malaysia Condemns Interceptions
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a strong condemnation:
“I condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion.”
Anwar pledged that Malaysia would use “all legitimate and lawful means” to hold Israel accountable, especially for the safety of at least eight Malaysians aboard.
Colombia Cuts Ties with Israel
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the immediate revocation of Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel and ordered Israel’s entire diplomatic mission to leave Bogotá.
Petro accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing a “new international crime” over the alleged detention of two Colombian citizens aboard the flotilla.
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