Unidentified ships shadow Gaza flotilla as activists prepare for raid
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Unidentified vessels approached the Global Sumud Flotilla as it entered a high-risk zone en route to Gaza, prompting activists to implement security measures amid fears of an imminent Israeli interception.
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A boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla departs to Gaza to deliver aid amid "Israel's" blockade on the Palestinian territory, in the Tunisian port of Bizerte, Saturday, September 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Anis Mili)
Unidentified ships with their lights off have reportedly approached several boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla, prompting activists on board to activate security measures amid growing fears of an Israeli interception as the humanitarian convoy advances toward Gaza.
According to the latest update shared by the participants, "The vessels have now left the Flotilla. We continue to sail to Gaza, approaching the 120 nautical mile mark, near the area where previous flotillas have been intercepted and/or attacked." The fleet, now deep in what organizers describe as a "high-risk zone," consists of more than 50 vessels and nearly 500 activists representing 46 countries.
Drop Site News reported that Israeli naval forces were moving in the flotilla’s direction. "Israeli navy vessels are reportedly moving in to intercept the Global Sumud Flotilla. No ships have been boarded yet, but CCTV has been disrupted on several boats. Participants are preparing for interception," the outlet said.
Stop the genocidal maniacs!#GlobalSumudFlotilla pic.twitter.com/PMUtMYvg8s
— Rania (@umyaznemo) October 1, 2025
Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned that any use of force against the mission would constitute a serious breach of international law. "Any Israeli attack on the civilian, humanitarian, and nonviolent Global Sumud Flotilla would constitute a blatant violation of international law and a crime against humanity," he stated.
Steadfast voyage continues
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for "steadfastness", was launched in July 2025 to challenge "Israel’s" long-standing naval blockade and deliver urgently needed humanitarian supplies to Gaza, including food, medicine, and relief goods. Organizers cautioned that an attack could occur "as early as tonight or tomorrow," calling on governments and citizens worldwide to demand safe passage. "An attack on the Flotilla is an attack on Palestine," they declared.
The activists insist that their mission to break the siege is "a moral and legal duty" under international law. Despite potential danger, they remain committed to completing the voyage, citing recent attacks on aid ships in international waters off Tunisia and Greece in September, where Israeli drones reportedly deployed incendiary and sound munitions.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and several international human rights advocates have called for global protection of the convoy. In contrast, Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir branded the participants "potential terrorists," suggesting their vessels should be seized and their crews imprisoned. Organizers dismissed those remarks as "propaganda aimed at justifying aggression."
Flotilla sails alone
Initially accompanied by limited naval escorts from Italy and Spain, the flotilla now sails alone after both countries withdrew. Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced on September 30 that Italian naval protection would end once the fleet reached 150 nautical miles from Gaza, urging it instead to dock in Cyprus, a proposal the activists rejected. "This is not protection but sabotage of the flotilla’s mission," they said.
Among the well-known figures supporting the mission is climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who remarked, "If we are detained, it will be because of the failure of our governments." Other prominent names include Palestinian-French politician Rima Hassan and South African lawmaker Zwelivelile Mandela.
Carrying approximately 45 tons of aid from Italy and additional cargo from Malaysia and other contributors, the convoy departed ports across the Mediterranean, including Tunis, Athens, Barcelona, and Naples. If unimpeded, the flotilla is expected to reach Gaza’s shores within three days, potentially opening a new humanitarian corridor.
Read more: Global Sumud Flotilla accuses Italy of sabotage, vows to sail on
The voyage unfolds as Gaza faces a genocide. Over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, while 2 million residents endure famine and severe shortages of water and medical care under "Israel’s" blockade. UN officials warn conditions in the enclave have reached a "nightmare scale."
