The Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian aid mission carrying food, medicine, and activists to Gaza, reported that Israeli vessels engaged in intimidating manoeuvres as it approached the coastal enclave. The organizers said two Israeli warships circled the flotilla’s boats, Alma and Sirius, while communication and navigation systems went down in what they described as a cyber attack.
Thiago Ávila, one of the organizers on board, said the vessels accelerated dangerously close to the flotilla, creating panic among passengers. Although partial communications have been restored, the incident raised fears of escalation as the flotilla moves closer to Gaza.
Civilian Boats Carrying International Activists
The Global Sumud Flotilla consists of over 40 civilian boats carrying nearly 500 people, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and human rights activists. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is also on board. Organizers said participants represent more than 40 countries.
The mission is the latest attempt to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007. The flotilla is currently 120 nautical miles from Gaza and aims to arrive by Thursday morning unless intercepted.
“These hostile actions placed unarmed civilians in grave danger, but we will continue towards Gaza,” the organizers declared in a statement.
Drone Strikes and Previous Attacks
The flotilla had already come under attack earlier this week when drones dropped stun grenades and itching powder, damaging some boats but causing no injuries. Israel has previously said it would use all means necessary to prevent such boats from reaching Gaza, claiming the blockade is legal under international law.
Italy and Spain have deployed naval vessels to provide rescue or humanitarian assistance if needed but confirmed they will not intervene militarily. Both countries stated they will withdraw once the flotilla comes within 150 nautical miles of Gaza for safety reasons. Turkish drones have also been monitoring the boats.
International Concerns Over Possible Interception
At a press conference, Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on Palestinian rights, warned that any interception of the flotilla would violate international law. She argued that Israel has no legal jurisdiction in international waters off Gaza.
Israel’s blockade has faced multiple challenges in the past. In 2010, nine activists were killed when Israeli forces stormed a flotilla of six ships carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists. More recently, in June 2025, Israeli naval forces detained Greta Thunberg and 11 crew members of a smaller aid ship organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
Calls for Aid Delivery Through Other Channels
On Wednesday, Italy and Greece urged both restraint and cooperation. They called on Israel not to harm the activists and requested the flotilla to hand over its humanitarian cargo to the Catholic Church for indirect delivery to Gaza. Organizers, however, rejected this proposal, insisting that the aid must be delivered directly to Palestinians in Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla continues its voyage amid threats, cyber attacks, and military intimidation. With nearly 500 civilians onboard, including international figures, the mission has become a focal point of rising tensions in the Mediterranean. Whether it reaches Gaza or is intercepted, the outcome will likely spark global debate on humanitarian access and the legality of Israel’s blockade.
