Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Humanitarian Flotilla in Mediterranean, Detains 145 International Activists

Oct 08, 2025 07:26 pm CST

Israeli forces intercepted a nine-vessel flotilla attempting to break the Gaza naval blockade, detaining 145 international activists including doctors, politicians, and European lawmakers. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition was carrying humanitarian supplies amid growing international criticism of Israel's Gaza campaign. This follows last week's larger interception of 450 activists, including Greta Thunberg, which sparked international protests. Turkey condemned the action as "piracy" in international waters while Israel defended the blockade as legally necessary.