Israel Blocks Final Gaza Flotilla Vessel, Intercepts All 42 Boats

World News | October 3, 2025 | Times of India World Desk Israel’s navy has intercepted the last remaining vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla, effectively halting all 42 boats attempting to reach Gaza with humanitarian supplies. The final ship, Marinette, was stopped on Friday morning at 10:29 am local time (0729 GMT), about 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza’s coastline, according to flotilla organizers. They claimed that Israeli forces had “illegally seized all 42 vessels,” which were carrying humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and hundreds of international volunteers. Flotilla’s Mission and Key Figures The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail last month from Barcelona with over 40 boats and nearly 500 activists on board. Among the participants were climate activist Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela (grandson of Nelson Mandela), Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. Throughout the journey, activists live-streamed their voyage, chanting “Free Palestine!” and voicing solidarity with Gaza despite repeated naval warnings and water cannon attacks. Dozens of participants were detained by Israeli forces as vessels were gradually intercepted. Israel’s Response Israel’s foreign ministry said the flotilla had been warned earlier in the week that they were heading toward an “active combat zone” and were urged to divert course. The ministry reiterated that humanitarian aid could instead be delivered to Gaza “through approved alternative channels.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the Israeli navy for its actions on Yom Kippur, saying: > “I salute the soldiers and commanders for carrying out their mission professionally and decisively. They prevented dozens of vessels from breaching the war zone and stopped a campaign aimed at delegitimising Israel.” International Backlash The interception of the flotilla sparked global protests and condemnation, with demonstrations breaking out in Italy, Greece, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Tunisia, and several other countries. Protesters demanded an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza, raising Palestinian flags and chanting solidarity slogans. Meanwhile, Israel confirmed that all detained activists were unharmed and would be deported back to Europe in the coming days.