Israel Seizes Gaza-Bound “Sumud” Flotilla Sparks Global Outrage

DID Press: Israel’s navy has intercepted and seized the “Global Sumud” flotilla — the largest European-led maritime convoy organized in support of Gaza — before it could reach the territory’s coast. The operation, carried out in international waters, has resulted in the detention of dozens of international activists and the capture of at least 11 ships, sparking a wave of global outrage, street protests across Europe, and sharp diplomatic reactions from several governments.

Israeli sources confirmed that 11 vessels from the Global Sumud fleet were intercepted roughly 75 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian activists and aid workers from multiple countries, was reportedly surrounded by Israeli naval forces late Wednesday night.

Hebrew media reported that the interception operation was still ongoing as of Thursday. The flotilla’s organizers said contact had been lost with several vessels, alleging that Israeli forces used violence, including deliberate ramming of one ship and the use of high-pressure water cannons against crew members.

The move has prompted strong international condemnation. Turkey’s foreign ministry labeled the seizure an “act of terrorism,” while Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused Israel of committing a “crime” and ordered the expulsion of all Israeli diplomats and the termination of Colombia’s free trade agreement with Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, mass protests erupted in several world capitals — including Rome, Brussels, Paris, Istanbul, Madrid, Berlin, and Barcelona — where demonstrators denounced Israel’s actions as illegal and a violation of human rights, chanting slogans in solidarity with Gaza and the detained activists.

Palestinian factions including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Fatah al-Intifada, and al-Mujahideen condemned the incident as an act of “piracy and a crime against humanity.”

The flotilla’s coordination committee said in a statement that, despite the interception of several vessels, the movement “will not retreat” and vowed to continue its mission. The organizers also urged the international community to intervene for the release of the detainees and to ensure the safety of remaining participants.

Reports of the arrest of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who had reportedly joined the convoy, further fueled international attention to the incident.