'Israel' abducts, detains 443 Gaza flotilla activists, sparks rebuke
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World leaders rush to condemn "Israel's" seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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Israeli navy soldiers sail one of the boats from the Gaza-bound civilian Sumud Flotilla toward the port of Isdud, occupied Palestine, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 (AP)
The Global Sumud Flotilla reported that Israeli occupation forces intercepted the "peaceful convoy's ships" in international waters and subsequently abducted hundreds of volunteers.
According to the flotilla's report, more than 443 participants from 47 countries are now being detained illegally by Israeli authorities, after the fleet was seized. It called for urgent international intervention to ensure the safety of the volunteers detained by "Israel" and to secure their immediate release.
After the Israeli occupation attacked the Global Sumud Flotilla during its humanitarian mission to the Gaza Strip, people across multiple countries took to the streets in a show of support and solidarity for the flotilla.#Palestine #Gaza #GazaGenocide #GlobalSumudFlotilla pic.twitter.com/aYIzDSJX61
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 2, 2025
In contrast, the Israeli occupation's Foreign Ministry stated that "none of the ships in the Gaza aid flotilla succeeded in their attempt to reach the sector," adding that "only one ship remains at a distance, and if it attempts to violate the Gaza blockade, it will be intercepted as well."
The Foreign Ministry claimed that the flotilla participants are in good condition and are being taken to Israeli ports for deportation to Europe.
World leaders condemn 'Israel's' piracy, abductions
The hijacking of the Global Sumud Flotilla ships, which were meant to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza after more than 7 months of a brutal Israeli siege that has led to an engineered famine in the territory, has led to a diplomatic and public outcry.
While "Israel's" action against the flotilla has sparked global popular outrage, with demonstrations, protests, and strikes being announced in numerous countries, it has instigated condemnations by world leaders and representatives
Flotilla seizure exposes the 'criminal face' of Netanyahu, Israeli government: Erdogan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday condemned Israel's "act of piracy" against the global Sumud humanitarian flotilla en route to Gaza to deliver aid to "oppressed Palestinians".
"Israel's" attack on civilians in international waters proves that "the genocide apparatus is in a state of frenzy to conceal its crimes in Gaza," Erdogan said during his address at the Justice and Development (AK) Party provincial heads meeting.
"The genocidal Netanyahu government cannot tolerate even the slightest chance for peace to take hold," Erdogan further said.
"Global Sumud Flotilla has once again shown the world the brutality in Gaza and Israel’s murderous face," he added.
"We will not abandon our Palestinian brothers and sisters and will work with all our might to secure a ceasefire and restore peace," he vowed.
Turkish authorities are monitoring the developments and taking measures to ensure that citizens aboard the flotilla are not harmed, Erdogan stressed.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation of its citizens who were aboard the ships that were raided by Israeli forces while en route to the Gaza Strip.
Arab, Asian countries emphasize safety of activists aboard flotilla
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah al-Yahya also stressed that his country is exerting all possible efforts to ensure the safety and secure release of its citizens who are among the Sumud Flotilla, while confirming that he is closely monitoring developments.
The Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman, Sheikh Ahmad al-Khalili, declared that the Israeli entity's assault on the Sumud Flotilla necessitates a concerted effort from the free world to curb this brutal seizure, noting that the responsibility on the Arab-Islamic world has multiplied.
He described the Israeli raid on the flotilla as a transgression on service for the sake of humanity.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry, on the other hand, published a statement saying that it "emphasizes the importance of the safety of the participants in the flotilla heading toward Gaza and their immediate release from captivity."
Malaysian PM vows to hold 'Israel' accountable
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has aligned himself with the global condemnation, joining protests against "Israel" seizing the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, a vessel which included at least eight Malaysian nationals among its participants.
“I condemn in the strongest terms "Israel’s" interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion,” the Malaysian PM stated on Thursday.
He said his country will use all available means to hold the occupation accountable for its detention of the Malaysian nationals aboard the ships.
"This is very disheartening – that a peaceful humanitarian aid for Gaza was not allowed. What’s even more painful is that the world is just watching. We are allowing Israel to carry out this aggressive action," PM Anwar added.
Europe concerned over 'Israel's' actions
Additionally, the UK Foreign Office expressed deep concern over "Israel's" seizure of the aid flotilla bound for Gaza, stating it has told Israeli authorities that a safe resolution to the situation is essential.
The Ministry clarified in a statement that it is in contact with the families of several British citizens participating in the flotilla, emphasizing that the humanitarian aid carried by the flotilla must be handed over to international organizations on the ground to ensure its safe delivery to Gaza.
On his part, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that "Israel" has detained 22 Italians who were part of the Sumud Flotilla, confirming that they will be deported to their country within days.
In a statement published on Thursday, the German Foreign Ministry called on "Israel" to treat those aboard the boats headed for Gaza well and in a proportionate manner.
Latin America stands against 'Israel's actions
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry issued a demand for the rights of its citizens aboard the flotilla to be respected, while the Brazilian government implored "Israel" to immediately and unconditionally lift all restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
South Africa describes seizure as 'crime against international solidarity'
Meanwhile, in the African continent, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Thursday that "Israel's" interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla constitutes a "serious crime" against "global solidarity and the humanitarian sentiments aimed at alleviating the suffering" in the territory.
In his statement, Ramaphosa called on the Israeli authorities to immediately release the South African citizens and all others who were aboard the flotilla, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of the late leader Nelson Mandela.
