OPT: Israeli Attack on Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters violates International Law
Front Line Defenders condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli naval forces' military interception of the peaceful Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which took place in international waters on the evening of 1 October 2025. This represents a serious escalation and a clear violation of international law. Prior to the attack, the flotilla, which was on a peaceful humanitarian mission to break the illegal blockade on Gaza, was placed on high alert after detecting approximately 20 Israeli warships in its vicinity and sea mines in the area.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is a coordinated, independent, non-violent fleet of mostly small vessels sailing from ports across the Mediterranean, carrying humanitarian aid including lifesaving supplies for the Palestinian population and challenging Israel’s 18-year illegal blockade on Gaza. The civilian-led initiative, which has organisers, coordinators and participants from Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Sumud Nusantara, and Global Movement to Gaza and more than 500 volunteers including doctors, lawyers, parliamentarians, unionists, human rights defenders, brings together a diverse coalition of participants of many nationalities seeking to open a humanitarian corridor and bring an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people.
On the evening of 1 October 2025, the Israeli Navy proceeded to intercept the civilian flotilla in international waters, seizing at least 21 boats and detaining those on board as of 2.45 pm Jerusalem time today. Contact has been lost with 18 other vessels, creating grave concerns for the safety of those on board. Front Line Defenders has been informed that the detainees were forcibly gathered on the ship “Johannesburg”, which was directed to the port of Ashdod. According to reports from the GSF members who have been detained, the Israeli authorities have initiated hearings against them as part of the deportation process. After the interception of the flotilla and upon the initiation of the hearings, the detainees were denied access to legal representation.
Last month, on the nights of 9-10 September 2025, two drone attacks targeted the GSF while docked in Sidi Bousaid Port, Tunisia, causing significant damage to vessels. On the night of 23-24 September 2025, further sustained explosions and drone attacks against the flotilla’s boats in international waters off Greece were reported by the GSF’s members. This severe escalation of violations reportedly included at least 13 explosions on and around the boats, widespread communication disruptions, and the persistent presence of over 15 low-altitude drones. Objects had reportedly been dropped from drones or aircraft onto at least ten vessels causing significant damage to the vessels.
Front Line Defenders condemns this blatant breach of international law and calls for the immediate and safe release of all detained participants of the GSF, including human rights defenders, and the return of all seized vessels. It is imperative that all those detained have access to lawyers and legal assistance. Front Line Defenders furthermore calls on all states, particularly EU member states, to intervene immediately to ensure the safety of the remaining boats still sailing towards Gaza.
The courage of the human rights defenders on the Global Sumud Flotilla stands in stark contrast to the military aggression they have faced. We stand in solidarity with them and demand an end to the illegal blockade on Gaza.
