Israel seizes last Gaza-bound flotilla vessel in international waters

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Saturday, October 4th, 2025

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rki.news
Sources Anadolu Agency
Israeli naval forces on Friday seized Marinette, the final vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla, while it was sailing in international waters approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza. According to flotilla organizers, Israeli troops boarded the Polish-flagged ship at 10:29 a.m. local time, detaining its crew and activists before transferring them to Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which initially comprised 44 boats carrying humanitarian aid and volunteers, was launched to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver relief supplies. Organizers said Israeli forces intercepted all 42 vessels over a 38-hour period, detaining more than 450 activists from over 50 countries. The Marinette, with a crew of six, was the last to remain at sea, sailing forward despite knowing the fate of the others.
Activists were interrogated for 15 hours, accompanied by lawyers from Israeli human rights group Adalah, before being moved to prison. Organizers reported that morale among detainees remains strong, with some declaring hunger strikes. Only a few signed “Emergency Exit Requests,” potentially expediting deportation, while most face up to 72 hours’ detention under Israeli law. Diplomatic visits to the detainees have already taken place.
The flotilla condemned the Israeli actions, stressing that the mission’s determination remains firm: “This is not the end of our mission. Our resolve to stand with the Palestinian people continues.”
Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza, home to 2.4 million people, for nearly 18 years. Since October 2023, ongoing bombardments have killed over 66,000 Palestinians, the majority women and children, leaving the enclave devastated and uninhabitable.