The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a convoy of international boats carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, has faced major confrontations with Israeli naval forces over the past 48 hours. Out of 44 vessels that set sail, the ship Mikeno became the first to successfully reach Gaza’s territorial waters without interception, marking a symbolic breakthrough for the mission. Organisers confirmed that the vessel briefly lost its tracking signal before reappearing 9.3 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast, where it safely entered Palestinian waters. Meanwhile, the status of dozens of other vessels remains uncertain, with many listed as intercepted or missing from trackers due to communication blackouts.
Israel has already detained more than 200 activists from 37 countries after intercepting multiple boats, including one carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said detainees were being transferred safely to Israel for deportation to Europe, while Palestinians condemned the interceptions as a violation of international law. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the actions as “piracy and aggression” that undermined humanitarian principles and the rights of civilians. Several activists have accused Israel of attempting to cover up alleged war crimes by obstructing aid deliveries of food, baby formula, water filters, and medical supplies intended for besieged civilians in Gaza.
International responses have been strong, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelling Israel’s diplomatic delegation and scrapping a trade agreement, calling the interceptions a “new international crime by Netanyahu.” French MEP Rima Hassan, aboard one of the remaining vessels closest to Gaza, vowed that the flotilla would “not give up until the last seconds of freedom.” Despite Israeli blockades, flotilla organisers insist that nearly 30 vessels are still pressing forward toward Gaza, carrying activists who continue to sing, wave Palestinian flags, and declare their mission peaceful. The confrontation now stands as a high-stakes international test between humanitarian activists, the Israeli blockade, and the global community watching closely.
