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About 30 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla have reportedly evaded Israeli na, al forces and are continuing their journey toward Gaza, organisers said on Thursday, October 2.
The activist group announced that the boats were “still sailing strong on their way to Gaza, just 46 nautical miles [85 km] away, despite the incessant aggressions from the Israeli occupation navy.”
This comes after Israeli forces intercepted and boarded 13 other vessels in international waters, detaining dozens of participants, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The vessels named as seized are: Adara, Alma, Aurora, Dir Yassine (Mali), Grande Blu, Hio, Huga, Morgana, Otaria, Seulle, Sirius, Spectre, and Yulara.
Earlier, the flotilla reported that at least two vessels — Meteque and a yacht named All In — had defied Israeli orders to halt and were pressing forward toward the enclave.
“Live-stream coverage and communication has been lost with multiple other boats. We are diligently working to account for all participants and crew,” the statement said, warning that details about detentions, injuries or casualties remain unconfirmed.
The flotilla described the raid as “an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians in international waters” and called on governments, world leaders, and international institutions to demand the immediate safety and release of all those on board.
Greta Thunberg among detained activists
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is among those taken by Israeli forces after the interception of flotilla vessels.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on X that “several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port,” adding: “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”
The ministry also shared a video showing Thunberg being escorted away. Israel has provided no substantive evidence to support its claim that the flotilla is linked to Hamas.
Activists, however, described the raid as “illegal” and “piracy,” stressing the flotilla was carrying food, medical supplies, water filters and baby formula to Gaza.
Tracker status: which vessels are intercepted
According to the flotilla’s live tracker, at least three vessels have been confirmed intercepted as of 1 October 19:21 UTC:
- Adara (Beit Lahia) – Intercepted
- Alma (Deir al-Balah) – Intercepted
- Sirius (Asqalan) – Intercepted
The remaining vessels — including Adagio, Ahed Tamimi, All In, Aurora, Free Willy, Inana, and others — were still marked as sailing at last update. Two vessels (Shireen and Summertime-Jong) were listed under legal support.
Interception confirmed
The flotilla had earlier declared a “high alert,” saying its vessels were being “illegally intercepted” by Israeli forces.
“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 organisers said in a statement released at 21:34 GMT+3 on October 1.
Flotilla responds: “Our mission is peaceful”
In response to Israeli threats broadcast over radio, flotilla member Thiago Ávila reaffirmed that the mission was legal and humanitarian.
“We are a peaceful, nonviolent humanitarian mission. Our journey is legal under international law, and any attempt to obstruct us is not,” Ávila said.
He added, “We carry food, aid, water filters, crutches, baby formula, to people you have been starving to death. The world is watching, and those responsible for hostile actions will be held accountable.
Flotilla releases video statement
The Global Sumud Flotilla released video showing a response from Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila to Israeli warnings over radio.
“You say that we are entering an active war zone, you are saying that we are entering a place where you are committing war crimes,” Ávila said. “This is against international law. Once again, the International Court of Justice made a provisional ruling that any attempt to hinder a humanitarian mission to Gaza is prohibited by international law and [the flotilla] is complying with the request to make you accountable for the crime of genocide.”
“It is our moral duty to refuse any attempt of an occupying force to control humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in Gaza who have… the right to control their own borders,” he added. “Therefore we do not recognise you as a legitimate agent to bring aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
Alma boat intercepted
Flotilla members earlier reported that the Alma, one of the lead vessels, was being boarded by Israeli forces.“This is against international law. This is against our will — we are being kidnapped,” the activists said.
Israel confirms interception
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed late on Wednesday that its navy had reached the Global Sumud Flotilla and “asked them to change course.”
It repeated earlier allegations that the flotilla was about “provocation” rather than aid, saying, “Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade. Israel reiterated the offer to transfer any aid peacefully through safe channels to Gaza.”
In a post on X, the ministry added, “The sole purpose of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla is provocation. Israel, Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have all offered and continue to offer the flotilla a way to peacefully deliver any aid they might have to Gaza. The flotilla refused because they are not interested in aid, but in provocation. The Israeli Navy has reached out to the Hamas-Sumud flotilla and asked them to change course.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed late on Wednesday that its navy had reached the Global Sumud Flotilla and “asked them to change course.”
Live video feeds from the Alma, one of the lead ships, appeared to show activists on deck during the confrontation as Israeli naval boats approached.
Connection cut with several flotilla vessels
Earlier, Al Jazeera Mubasher reported that communication had been lost with several ships in the convoy after they were besieged by Israeli naval boats. The channel said it had also lost contact with its correspondent Hayat Yamani, who was on board the Sirius.
Many of the live feeds from the flotilla have now been cut as suspected Israeli boats surround the convoy attempting to break the blockade on Gaza. Al Jazeera Mubasher said it had also lost contact with its correspondent Hayat Yamani, who is on board the Sirius, one of the participating vessels.
Israeli vessels surrounding the Alma
Flotilla steering committee member Yasemin Acar confirmed that Israeli naval vessels had closed in on the Alma, one of the lead ships.“
The IOF is now surrounding the Alma vessel on both sides of the boat. They are close. We are getting into position and ready to be intercepted,” Acar said.
Unidentified vessels detected ahead of flotilla
Earlier, the flotilla reported detecting more than 20 unidentified vessels on its radar, just three nautical miles ahead of the fleet. The alert, issued at 20:20 GMT+3 on October 1, raised fears of a potential naval blockade.
“Our radar is currently tracking 20+ unidentified vessels ahead of the fleet. At the current pace, we would reach their position in about 30 minutes if they do not move,” the organisers said.
They added that while the identity of the vessels remains unconfirmed, “this situation raises concerns of a potential naval blockade.” In a separate message, the coalition stressed, “We will not be intimidated by threats, harassment, or efforts to protect Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.”
Testimony from on board
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila sent a voice message from his vessel a short while ago.
“We are arriving at a decisive moment of our mission,” Ávila said. “Right now, we are moving closer to what seems to be their [Israel’s] military blockade.”
“There is a huge concentration of vessels, and it matches the stated plans from the Israeli foreign ministry and the media consensus about what would happen tonight, and their stated plan of intercepting illegally our mission to break the siege and to create a humanitarian corridor,” he added, stressing that flotilla members should remain non-violent even if attacked.
Red alert of possible interception
The flotilla issued a “red alert,” warning that an interception could happen “within the hour.” The group reported a cluster of around 12 unidentified vessels located 5–15 nautical miles away, with some of its boats experiencing signal jamming and loss of contact.
Lead vessels including the Alma, Aurora, All In, Meteque, Free Willy and Adara were said to be heading toward what appeared to be a “military blockade.”
“Those aboard are estimating a possible illegal interception by Israel within the hour,” the organisers said, citing radar tracking data.
Final approach to Gaza
Earlier on Wednesday, the flotilla confirmed it had entered the R3 “High-Risk Zone” and was on course to dock at Gaza Port by 11:58 AM UTC on October 2 (4:58 PM Gaza time).
“We are almost there. Every hour counts. Keep your eyes locked on our position,” the organisers wrote, urging international supporters to follow the journey live and press their governments to safeguard the mission.
Less than 90 nautical miles from Gaza
The ships have crossed into the R3 “High-Risk Zone” and are now sailing less than 90 nautical miles from Gaza, according to the Sumud Nusantara Tracker.
Earlier, the coalition reported that participants remained calm overnight despite intimidation attempts by the Israeli military. Reconnaissance drones were spotted flying over the vessels, but safety procedures were followed and all crew members were reported safe.
“Our resilience and commitment carried us through the darkness. Far from deterring us, these threats have strengthened our determination to continue,” the organisers said, adding that the mission sails on “with renewed resolve to break the siege, deliver aid, and uphold our mission of non-violent solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
The organisers noted that the flotilla has now sailed beyond the point where the vessel Madleen and Handala was previously intercepted by Israeli forces, though they stressed the need for vigilance as the mission advances closer to Gaza.
According to reports, reconnaissance drones were spotted flying at medium altitudes over the fleet’s vessels as the ships pressed forward. Activists on board the Alma reportedly threw their phones into the sea in accordance with protocol, which requires such action once a vessel is confirmed to have been intercepted.
Supporters worldwide have been urged to follow the journey live and call on their governments to safeguard the humanitarian mission.
At dawn on Wednesday, organisers reported that Israeli naval vessels circled the flotilla’s lead boats, Alma and Sirius, for several minutes, disabling communications and forcing evasive manoeuvres to avoid collision. Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila said on X that the ships’ communication systems were damaged, though no injuries occurred.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include the latest statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla on its final approach to Gaza.
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