Gaza flotilla – live: Greta Thunberg’s aid vessel boarded by military, claim activists

Israel has condemned the flotilla as a “PR stunt” amid reports it has intercepted a number of boats involved.

In a post on X, its mbassador to the United Nations Danny Danon wrote: “We will not allow any PR stunt approaching an active war zone to violate our sovereignty.

“Those who tried to enter Israeli territory illegally will be deported immediately after Yom Kippur in Israel. Israel has repeatedly offered ways to peacefully deliver aid to Gaza, but this flotilla is not interested in aid – only provocation.”

Activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla have posted their response to what they called Israel’s “threats” issued via radio to their flotilla.

In a radio message posted by the Israeli foreign ministry, the boats were instructed to change course and provide aid “through the established channels”.

In a video posted on the flotilla’s Telegram channel, activist Thiago Avila says: “We are a peaceful, nonviolent humanitarian mission.

“Our journey is legal under international law, and any attempt to obstruct us is not.

“We carry food, aid, water filters, crutches, baby formula, to people you have been starving to death.”

Three boats have been intercepted by Israeli military in what activists have called an “illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians,” according to the Global Sumud Flotilla.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the group said the other vessels were around 70 nautical miles from Gaza and planned to “continue undeterred”.

It also called on governments and world leaders to demand the “safety and release” of all on board the intercepted boats.

“On Wednesday, 1 October 2025 at around 8:30 pm Gaza time, multiple vessels of Global Sumud Flotilla—notably Alma, Surius, Adara—were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli Occupation Forces in international waters,” it said.

“Prior to illegally boarding the ships, it appears as though the Israeli naval vessels intentionally damaged ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the live-stream of their illegal boat boarding.

“In addition to the boats confirmed to be intercepted, live-stream coverage and communication has been lost with multiple other boats.

“We are diligently working to account for all participants and crew. We will share updates as soon as we have confirmed information about the status of boats, detentions, injuries and potential casualties.

“This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians in international waters. We call on governments, world leaders, and international institutions to demand the safety and release of all on board and continue to monitor this situation closely.

“Despite interception of a few vessels, the Global Sumud Flotilla is 70 nautical miles away from the Gaza coastline and will continue undeterred.”

A crew member has said her boat has been intercepted in a pre-recorded video posted on social media.

“If you’re seeing this video, it means I have been kidnapped by the Zionist regime and that our boat was intercepted,” singer Leila Hegazy wrote.

“Pressure your governments to end their complicity in the g-cide of the Palestinian people and to make sure that all humanitarians on this mission return safe to our families.”

The Sirius vessel, which forms part of the flotilla, has been intercepted by Israeli naval forces, the group has claimed.

In a post on Instagram it wrote: “On Oct 1, 2025, Israeli naval forces illegally intercepted and boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla’s vessel Sirius along with other boats in international waters.

“Live-streams and communications have been cut. The status of participants and crew remains unconfirmed.

“This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their immediate safety and release.”

Activists on board the Captain Nikos were pictured waving at a livestream camera as they prepared for possible interception by Israeli forces.

A number of the cameras on board the some 40 boats are still functioning, but streaming appears to have been cut off on others.

Ewa Jasiewicz, a British-Polish activist on board the All In vessel, has told The Independent’s Alex Croft that three military vessels have intercepted the flotilla.

“There are three military vessels inside the flotilla, without light,” she wrote in a message.

“One is shining a beam onto boats to identify size. They seem to be targeting and commandeering larger boats first”.

Military personnel have boarded vessels that form part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the group posted on Instagram.

“High alert. Our vessels are being illegally intercepted,” they wrote.

“Cameras are offline and vessels have been boarded by military personnel. We are actively working to confirm the safety and status of all participants on board.”

The Israeli navy has reportedly issued a warning to the flotilla, telling it to provide aid “through the established channels”.

In a post on X, Israel’s foreign ministry wrote the purpose of the mission was “not aid” but “provocation”.

“Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade,” it wrote.

“Israel reiterated the offer to transfer any aid peacefully through safe channels to Gaza.”

Italy’s foreign minister has said Israel’s armed forces assured him violence would not be used against the members of the flotilla.

“The boarding was planned, we are talking about it … with Minister Saar so that there would be no violent actions on the part of the Tel Aviv armed forces, and this has been assured to me,” Antonio Tajani said to Italian TV broadcaster Rai.

“We instructed our embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem to assist all Italians who will probably be taken to Ashdod, but then will be expelled,” he added.

It comes after the country said it would stop providing assistance the aid mission on Tuesday.