According to updates from Israeli authorities who intervened with raids on the Global Sumud Flotilla ships, which launched with the goal of transporting activists and humanitarian aid to Gaza, no vessel ultimately breached the blockade. An international crisis is emerging in the Mediterranean as Israeli naval forces intercept ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. Three Greek vessels participated in this significant mission aimed at opening a humanitarian corridor for the region’s population.
Gaza: Greek ships on the frontline of humanitarian mission
The Greek vessels “Pavlos Fyssas“, “Vangelis Pissias” and “Ahed Tamimi” are part of the international flotilla attempting to reach Gaza. The participation of Greek ships underscores the international dimension of efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
Loss of communication and return to Cyprus
British activist Ruhi Loren Akhtar, founder of the British NGO Refugee Biryani and Bananas, revealed the dramatic developments via Instagram. The vessel she was aboard was forced to return to Cyprus due to the high risk of detention for certain participants.
“Instead of successfully opening the humanitarian corridor, we faced systematic interceptions by Israeli forces. Communication with hundreds of colleagues has been cut off and we suspect they are being detained“, the activist stated characteristically.
New priority: releasing the detained
The British NGO’s mission has now changed direction. The objectives include:
• Coordinating with ground teams for the release of detainees
• Ensuring the safety of ships continuing their voyage
• Supporting the remaining flotilla vessels
Allegations of international law violations
The flotilla organizers express strong objections to Israeli actions, characterizing them as illegal. Their main argument is based on the fact that the ships were operating in international waters.
“Beyond the confirmed interceptions, we have lost all contact with many more vessels. Live broadcasts have been cut off and communications remain inactive“, they report in their official statement.
Uncertain future for humanitarian mission
The continuation of the mission appears extremely doubtful as Israeli naval forces intensify operations to locate the remaining ships. International interest is escalating around the fate of the activists and developments in the Gaza blockade.
The situation remains fluid while the international community closely monitors developments in the Mediterranean and the implications for Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
🇹🇷🇵🇸More than 45 Turkish civilian ships are heading directly toward Gaza.
This comes as a response to Israel intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla convoy. pic.twitter.com/HYp9ldm4xC
— Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumud) October 2, 2025
🚨 INTERCEPTION 🚨
Israeli forces have illegally boarded the Flotilla’s vessel Oxygono and others in international waters. Livestreams and communication are down, and the status of those on board is unknown. Governments must demand their safety and release. pic.twitter.com/GEPMQJQz00— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025
The crew of the Global Sumud Flotilla boat Alma — including Greta Thunberg and Sumud leader Thiago Ávila — has been illegally detained by Israel after being arrested in international waters last night.
📢 RAISE YOUR VOICE.
📞 PRESSURE YOUR GOVERNMENT NOW. pic.twitter.com/9WBf50XDaQ— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025
