Greta Thunberg Safe After Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is “safe and healthy” after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on Tuesday evening in international waters while it attempted to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.
The confirmation came from Israel’s foreign ministry, which posted on X that Thunberg and her fellow activists were being transferred to an Israeli port following the boarding of several vessels. A video released alongside the statement showed Thunberg calmly collecting her belongings.
Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port.
Greta and her friends are safe and healthy. pic.twitter.com/PA1ezier9s— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 1, 2025
The interception occurred around 8:30 p.m., Gaza time (5:30 p.m. GMT), when Israeli forces boarded at least three ships — the Alma, Sirius and Adara.
According to flotilla organisers, live streams and communications with other vessels were abruptly cut off after the boarding, raising concerns about their status. They denounced the action as “illegal” and a violation of international maritime law.
Read Also: Italy, Spain To Send Warships To Protect Global Sumud Flotilla From Israeli Attacks
Prior to the incident, the Israeli navy had repeatedly warned the flotilla not to approach the blockade zone around Gaza. Israel enforces a 150-nautical-mile exclusion area, citing national security concerns. Spain and Italy, whose warships had escorted the flotilla part of the way, halted at the edge of this restricted zone.
Their naval crews sent radio messages advising the activists to stop, but the convoy pressed forward, insisting the mission was humanitarian and urgently needed as Gaza faces a famine threat highlighted by the United Nations.
The flotilla had already faced setbacks earlier in its journey. After departing Europe, it paused for 10 days in Tunisia, where organisers claimed some vessels came under drone attack. The mission resumed on September 15, aiming to deliver aid directly to the Gaza Strip in defiance of Israel’s blockade.
Read Also: Macron Pledges Recognition Of Palestine Amidst Israel-Imposed Starvation In Gaza
International reaction to the latest interception was swift. Turkey’s foreign minister condemned the operation as “an act of terrorism” and “a serious violation of international law.” South Africa called for “utmost restraint and caution” to protect the unarmed participants, which included Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, and French-Palestinian European Parliament member Rima Hassan.
European leaders struck a more cautious tone. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stressed that the activists “do not represent a danger or a threat to Israel” and expressed hope that Israeli authorities would ensure their safety. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged the flotilla to halt, warning that its actions could endanger sensitive U.S.-led peace negotiations in the region.
Tuesday’s events marked the third time this year a flotilla has been stopped en route to Gaza, following similar interceptions in June and July. While Greta Thunberg’s safety has been confirmed, uncertainty remains over the fate of some vessels whose communications were lost during the Israeli operation.
