Vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, have crossed into the high-risk zone, according to a post on the flotilla’s official Telegram channel.
This is the same area where previous aid missions were intercepted and attacked.
“Everyone is safe at the moment. We are outside the area where the Madleen was stopped. We are still on alert,” the statement read.
An X post noted that some flotilla participants appeared to be provoking tension, while expressing hope that the situation would be resolved peacefully without incident.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa’ar has ordered the flotilla to halt its journey to Gaza.
In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry advised the flotilla to deliver any aid through established channels such as the Cyprus port, Ashkelon Marina, or other regional ports to ensure peaceful transfer.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that Spanish nationals aboard the flotilla pose no threat to Israel and will receive full diplomatic protection. He added that the mission would not have been necessary had Israel allowed aid into Gaza.
Twenty U.S. congressmen have signed a letter addressed to Secretary General Antonio Guterres urging protection for the flotilla’s vessels. Amnesty International has also called for safeguards for the ships and their passengers.
Organizers say the flotilla is expected to reach Gaza within the next two days.
???? URGENT: Possible illegal interception of the #GlobalSumudFlotilla by Israel’s naval commando unit may be imminent.???? Radars show ~12 unidentified vessels just 5–15 miles away.⚠️ Some flotilla boats have lost contact & are reporting signal jamming.The world must WATCH.… pic.twitter.com/MttAa4zBff
— Radio Islam (@radioislam) October 1, 2025
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest civilian maritime effort to challenge the naval blockade of Gaza during Israel’s ongoing war in the territory. More than 1,000 activists from 44 countries are participating aboard over 50 vessels. The Maldives-based International Aid Campaign (IAC) is among the contributors, with Ibrahim Shaz regularly posting updates from an observer vessel.
Human rights groups have urged foreign ministries to protest any Israeli interference or arrests. Several flotilla vessels have been attacked in the past, including earlier this month when ships docked in Tunisia were reportedly struck by suspected Israeli drones.