Israel says it will deport Sumud Flotilla activists after intercepting boats

Israel’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that all activists who were on board the Global Sumud Flotilla will be deported.

According to the ministry, they are currently being transferred to Israel, where deportation procedures will be carried out. “Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin,” the ministry posted on X. “The passengers are safe and in good health.”

Israeli naval units have intercepted 14 of the flotilla’s vessels that were attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, while another 23 boats are still continuing their journey.

Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and in good health. pic.twitter.com/pzzitP5jN8

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 2, 2025

One vessel named Mikeno is now in Gaza’s territorial waters, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla live tracker.

One global sumud flotilla's boat has reached in Gaza waters successfully pic.twitter.com/k1VkVlpwzL

— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025

Earlier, GSF said dozens of its vessels were still moving forward despite encounters with Israeli naval forces.

“Thirty boats are still sailing strong towards Gaza,” the group posted on X at 3:20am local time (0020 GMT). It added that the flotilla was just 46 nautical miles from Gaza despite what it described as “constant aggression” from Israeli naval units.