Israel Seizes Gaza Flotilla; Dozens Detained

Israeli naval forces intercepted and boarded multiple vessels of the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters on Oct. 2 as the boats tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid, detaining dozens of activists and several European lawmakers. Tracking data and reporting say at least three ships—Captain Nikos (Greek-flagged), Estrella y Manuel and Adara (Spanish-flagged)—have been towed to Ashdod port and are being held by Israeli authorities. Video and eyewitness accounts show forces boarding vessels, shining bright lights on passengers and using measures such as water cannon, while activists aboard called the interceptions illegal. The seizures provoked international condemnation: Qatar denounced the detentions as a serious threat to maritime safety and demanded immediate release and uninterrupted aid, and Pakistan’s government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the raid, demanded the release of detainees including former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, and called for a ceasefire and an end to the blockade. Organizers described the flotilla as the largest yet, saying about 45 vessels and roughly 500 activists from around the world took part, including high-profile campaigners such as Greta Thunberg and Galway-born poet Sarah Clancy.