Israeli military arrests Greta Thunberg, flotilla activists after intercepting dozens of boats
Share this @internewscast.com

Israeli naval forces intercepted 39 vessels from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on Thursday, detaining dozens of activists — including international climate activist Greta Thunberg and several European lawmakers, The Associated Press reported.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set out across the Mediterranean with more than 40 boats carrying about 500 activists, was the largest yet to attempt to break Israel’s blockade of the enclave, according to the AP.

The flotilla has since been reduced to a single vessel still headed toward Gaza. Organizers with the Global Sumud Flotilla said on X that the boat was last tracked only a few miles off Gaza’s coast before contact was lost. Activists told the AP that they believed the flotilla’s size would make it harder for Israeli forces to intercept every vessel. 

Photos and surveillance footage captured the moment Israeli soldiers in helmets and night vision goggles boarded the flotilla. A photo from Israel’s foreign ministry showed Thunberg, the most prominent of the flotilla’s passengers, accompanied by soldiers following the interception. Israeli officials said those detained included Thunberg, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau and European Parliament member Rima Hassan, according to the AP.

Multiple Israeli soldiers in tactical gear climb onto the deck of a sailboat during an early morning raid.

Israeli forces stormed a Global Sumud Flotilla vessel on Oct. 2, 2025, as the boat attempted to sail toward Gaza. (Global Sumud Flotilla via AP)

News of the interception also drew condemnation and sparked demonstrations in cities including Rome, Naples, Istanbul, Athens and Buenos Aires, the AP said. Italy’s largest trade union announced a one-day general strike for Friday in protest, while more rallies were expected across the globe on Thursday, the outlet added.

A group of pro-Palestinian activists sit inside a boat, some smiling, wearing life vests; another photo shows Greta Thunberg seated among activists wearing life jackets.

Anti-Israel activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, before the vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces. (Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The flotilla is part of a series of international efforts to challenge Israel’s blockade, which has been in place since 2007 after Hamas took control of Gaza. Previous attempts by activist flotillas to break the blockade have largely failed and sometimes sparked deadly clashes, including during the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla raid.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Global Sumud Flotilla did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Expert warns critical hours slipping away as kidnappers likely to move US missionary in Niger

Urgent Countdown: US Missionary’s Fate Hangs in Balance as Kidnappers Prepare to Relocate in Niger

A security specialist has highlighted the urgency of the initial 48 hours…
Minneapolis church shooting victim released from hospital after miraculous recovery

Miraculous Recovery: Minneapolis Church Shooting Survivor Triumphs with Hospital Release

Amidst applause and heartfelt cheers, Sophia Forchas made her triumphant exit from…
ALDOT cooperating with investigators following shooting that led to Kimber Mills' death in central Alabama

ALDOT Collaborates with Authorities in Investigation of Fatal Shooting of Kimber Mills in Central Alabama

On Sunday morning, a tragic shooting occurred during a bonfire gathering in…
States worry about how to fill the gap in food aid ahead of a federal benefits halt

States Brace for Food Aid Crisis as Federal Benefits Set to Expire: Exploring Solutions to Bridge the Hunger Gap

Officials from Louisiana, Vermont, and Virginia have committed to ensuring that food…
CPS news: Some Chicago Board of Education members call for Chicago Public Sshools remote learning amid immigration operations

Chicago Board Members Urge CPS to Consider Remote Learning in Response to Immigration Actions

CHICAGO — A renewed push for remote learning in Chicago Public Schools…
Dashcam video shows deadly freeway crash involving suspected illegal immigrant trucker

Shocking Dashcam Footage Reveals Fatal Freeway Collision Involving Alleged Undocumented Trucker

A shocking dashcam video has emerged capturing a fatal incident on a…
Justice Dept. seeks to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia

Breaking: Justice Dept. Moves to Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia – Here’s What You Need to Know

Washington — The Justice Department announced on Friday that the Trump administration…
Coast Guard nabs 50 tons of cocaine bound for posh coastal enclaves as cartel ops ‘rival Amazon’: expert

Coast Guard Seizes 50 Tons of Cocaine Destined for Luxury Coastal Areas, Says Expert

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) recently declared a significant triumph in the…
ICE activity in Chicago today: Agents detain man near Superior and Paulina in West Town; Laugh Factory says manager detained

ICE Operations in Chicago: Agents Detain Individual Near Superior and Paulina in West Town; Laugh Factory Reports Manager’s Detention

In the heart of Chicago, the familiar scene outside the Immigration and…
Coast Guard audio captures stranded family's mayday call. 'Our ship burned while we were sleeping'

Terrifying Night at Sea: Family’s Urgent Mayday Call Captured After Ship Catches Fire

GOSNOLD, Mass. (AP) — A family of three who swam to safety…
Chilton County dog trainer found guilty in animal cruelty case

Chilton County Dog Trainer Convicted: Shocking Animal Cruelty Case Unveiled

CHILTON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — A dog training facility owner in Verbena…
42-year-old cold case closed after detectives crack into discovered confession

Detectives Solve 42-Year-Old Cold Case with Newly Uncovered Confession

A chilling chapter from 1983 has finally reached its conclusion in Nassau…