Israeli occupation forces boarded and seized multiple Gaza-bound aid ships in international waters on Wednesday, October 1. Among those on board was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying nearly 500 participants from across the world, set sail on August 31 to deliver food, water, and medicine directly to Gaza’s besieged civilians. Their mission: to break an 18-year illegal blockade and end the genocide in Gaza.
Video footage online shows the Zionist army’s naval units illegally raiding the Alma, Sirius, and Adara vessels. The Yulara was reportedly rammed and targeted with high-pressure water cannons. Live communication with other boats has been cut. Israel confirmed it had stopped the aid boats, saying all passengers would be deported after Yom Kippur.
The move sparked a wave of global condemnation. Italy’s largest labour union has called for a nationwide general strike in solidarity with Gaza. Protests erupted in Istanbul, Berlin, and Rome, while Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared it “an international crime” and expelled all remaining Israeli diplomats from his country.
This latest assault underscores the reality of Israel’s colonial blockade: the occupation not only controls Gaza’s borders but extends its reach deep into the Mediterranean, punishing those who dare to deliver aid where it is most needed.
