Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza sparks 'grave concerns' for 175 detained activists

Responding to reports that Israeli forces intercepted 22 vessels and detained around 175 crew members of the Global Sumud Flotilla - which was attempting to break Israel’s illegal blockade and deliver essential humanitarian aid to the occupied Gaza Strip amid Israel’s ongoing genocide - Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International's Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said:

"Israel's brazen and unlawful interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels and the arbitrary detention of dozens of activists underscores the dangerous consequences of decades of impunity for Israel's ongoing atrocity crimes against Palestinians, including genocide in the Gaza Strip and apartheid, and its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory.

"It is appalling that activists participating in a peaceful solidarity mission to break Israel's unlawful blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver medical supplies to people facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis - deliberately imposed by Israel - have been arbitrarily detained once again.

"The Israeli navy crossing hundreds of miles at sea to ensure civilian boats carrying food, baby formula, and medical supplies don't reach Palestinians reveals the lengths Israel is prepared to go to maintain its cruel and unlawful 19-year blockade of the occupied Gaza Strip.

"Despite the so-called ceasefire in Gaza on 9 October 2025, Israel has allowed only extremely limited supplies to reach a population, the vast majority of whom has been forcibly displaced and is living in extreme deprivation amid complete devastation, crammed into as little as 40% of the Gaza Strip, while the Israeli army has turned most of this area into a deadly no-go zone for Palestinians.

"There are grave concerns for the safety of the around 175 activists being transported to Israel after their vessels were boarded in international waters near Greece and Israel jammed their communication channels. Amnesty has documented ill-treatment of activists detained in October 2025 after the Israeli military intercepted the flotilla's vessels, including sleep deprivation and denial of drinking water and medical care. In Italy, abuses against 36 Italian activists - including allegations of torture and other ill-treatment - are currently under investigation by the Prosecutor in Rome.

"The crew of the intercepted vessels must be immediately and unconditionally released. While in custody, Israeli authorities must ensure all activists are immediately granted access to consular support and protected from torture and other ill-treatment. States must urgently support their detained nationals and take tangible measures to end Israel's genocide against Palestinians in Gaza - including immediately lifting its illegal blockade and allowing unimpeded humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Third states must stop granting Israel impunity for its atrocity crimes and expedite measures to end Israel's unlawful occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as indicated by the International Court of Justice in 2024."