The Israeli navy has intercepted a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and detained several activists on board, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were stopped and redirected to an Israeli port, saying the ships had been warned they were approaching an active combat zone.

The GSF condemned the move as “illegal” and accused Israel of “deliberately ramming” one boat and targeting others with water cannons. It said the flotilla was 70 nautical miles from Gaza when intercepted and claimed Israeli forces disrupted communications to block distress signals and livestreams.

Israel argued the flotilla violated a “lawful naval blockade” around Gaza and described the mission as a provocation.

International reaction has been swift. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled Israeli diplomats, ended a free trade deal with Israel, and denounced the interception as an “international crime.” Ireland’s deputy prime minister Simon Harris voiced concern, noting that seven Irish citizens, including Sinn Fein senator Chris Andrews, were among those detained. France and Italy said they had secured assurances from Israel that force would not be used during the operation.

Protests erupted in Greece, Italy, Tunisia, and Turkey against Israel’s actions. The GSF insisted the flotilla’s goal was to deliver food and medicine to Gaza, where UN agencies have already confirmed famine. Aid groups accuse Israel of blocking supplies, while Israel says it aims to prevent materials from reaching Hamas.

The interception comes as Israel intensifies its assault on Gaza City, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning residents to evacuate south or risk being treated as terrorists and supporters of terror. The International Committee of the Red Cross reminded all parties that under international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected whether they stay or leave.

This is the third attempt in recent months by activists to break Israel’s blockade with aid ships, following earlier efforts in June and July. Greta Thunberg rejected claims the mission was a “publicity stunt,” telling that, “I don’t think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt.”