The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), comprising more than 40 civilian vessels and approximately 500 participants including parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, was intercepted by the Israeli navy on Wednesday evening. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid such as water, medicines, and food, aimed to reach Gaza by Thursday morning to highlight the severe humanitarian crisis in the region and breach the maritime blockade.

The interception occurred approximately 70-75 nautical miles from Gaza's shoreline, in international waters previously designated as a “danger zone” by Israel. Israeli naval ships approached the flotilla, ordering vessels to change course or turn off their engines. Among the intercepted boats were the Alma, Surius, Adara, Spectre, Deir Yassin, Hoga, and Sirus. Live footage from the Alma, carrying environmental activist Greta Thunberg and Belfast man Fra Hughes, showed crew members preparing for interception before communications were reportedly jammed and cameras went offline. Activists on board described the interception as