In 1–2 October 2025, Israeli forces intercepted several ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla Intercepted when they were detaining over 150 foreign observers. Among the detained was Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, who was heading the Pakistani delegation. It was noted by flotilla trackers that just a single observer vessel escaped, with other ships being sent ashore to Israeli ports.
At the recent update, the Global Sumud Flotilla Intercepted in international waters was comprised of more than 40 boats conveying almost 500 members. Reports confirm that the flotilla had parliamentarians, human rights activists, as well as humanitarian workers across a number of countries. The Sumud Flotilla Live tracker shows that a number of ships can’t be accounted for.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the detentions and released footage of climate activist Greta Thunberg on one of the boats that was intercepted. Authorities said that she was “safe,” but activists referred to the incident as a violation of international law, bolstering that the Global Sumud Flotilla Gaza had sailed into the area on a humanitarian mission.
The government of Pakistan officially called for the unconditional release of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and other detainees. In reaction, the Pakistan-Palestine Forum declared national protests in Islamabad and Lahore against the detaining of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These protests will further escalate as more political parties as well as civil society groups get on board.
Global response has been immediate. Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Malaysia called upon Israel not to do harm to the activists. In a more aggressive approach, Colombia recalled its Israeli ambassadors and suspended a bilateral commercial agreement. Italian labour unions announced a nationwide strike in support of Gaza as a response against outrage over the Global Sumud Flotilla Intercepted in foreign seas.
The flotilla organizers verified that the fleet had covered a “high-risk area” close to around 150 nautical miles off Gaza, the place where past flotillas were intercepted. Reports by the Global Flotilla Tracker as well as Sumud Flotilla Live feeds keep carrying real-time coverage on shipyards still on the sea.
At the moment, some activists are still detained by Israel in preparation for prosecution as the ships continue navigating towards Gaza. And the success of the Global Sumud Flotilla Intercepted mission will be ultimately ensured by building up diplomatic pressure and if other ships will make it without being intercepted to Gaza.
FAQs on Global Sumud Flotilla Intercepted
What is the Sumud Flotilla International and why was it stopped?
The Global Sumud Flotilla was a convoy of over 40 ships bearing activists, MPs, and relief workers on a mission to Gaza as a humanitarian mission. It was diverted by Israeli soldiers in international waters on 1–2 October 2025, where hundreds were arrested.
Who was in the Global Sumud Flotilla Intercepted by Israel?
More than 500 passengers from various lands were on board, including Greta Thunberg, a climatic change crusader; humanitarian workers; and Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmed.
How many individuals were arrested following the Global Sumud Flotilla Intercepted?
Over 150 individuals coming from some countries were arrested by Israeli authorities, as some ships are still unaccounted for, as per flotilla trackers.
How has the rest of the world reacted to the blockade of the flotilla?
Nations like Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Malaysia called for caution, as Colombia expelled Israeli ambassadors. Pakistan demanded the release of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and other jail detainees.