Israel intercepts aid flotilla for Gaza in international waters

In yet another episode that humanitarian organizations classify as “state piracy”, Israeli forces intercepted, in the early hours of this Thursday (30), at least seven vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) in international waters close to the Greek coast. The ships were carrying humanitarian aid destined for the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to a military blockade since 2007 and an offensive that, according to the UN, has already caused more than 70,000 deaths.

Interception on the high seas constitutes a violation of international law

According to the flotilla organizers, the vessels were approached by Israeli military boats hundreds of kilometers from Gaza, off the Peloponnese peninsula, in Greece. Security footage showed crew members with their hands raised as Israeli soldiers took control of the ships.

“No State has the right to police international waters”, denounced the Global Sumud Flotilla in a statement, classifying the action as “illegal and arbitrary”. The organization said contact with 11 vessels was lost and approximately 175 activists from more than 20 countries were detained.

Israel’s envoy to the UN defended the operation, claiming that the flotilla was intercepted before reaching Israeli territory. However, experts in maritime law note that a country’s jurisdiction does not extend to international waters, except in exceptional cases provided for in multilateral conventions — none of which apply to the unilateral blockade imposed on Gaza.

Brazilians are among the detained activists

Four members of the Brazilian delegation participated in the humanitarian mission and were among those kidnapped in waters close to the island of Crete. They are: Amanda Coelho Marzall (Mandi Coelho), PSTU activist and pre-candidate for federal deputy; Leandro Lanfredi de Andrade, oil worker and director of SindiPetro-RJ; Thiago de Ávila e Silva Oliveira, member of the GSF International Steering Committee; and Thainara Rogério.

Another Brazilian, Beatriz Moreira de Oliveira, from the Movement of People Affected by Dams, was on board the boat Amazona, which managed to avoid interception when entering Greek territorial waters. Family members and Brazilian organizations expressed deep concern about the physical integrity of the activists and demanded immediate intervention from the federal government.

History of impunity and violence against flotillas

This week’s intercept repeats patterns from previous actions. In October 2025, Israeli forces boarded another flotilla of the same organization and detained more than 450 participants, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. At the time, Amnesty International classified the operation as illegal and disproportionate.

Since 2007, Israel has imposed a land, air and sea blockade on the Gaza Strip, strictly controlling the entry of food, medicine, fuel and other essential supplies. Human rights organizations warn that the siege is contributing to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with widespread shortages and the collapse of basic services.

Illegal blockade worsens humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The UN and several international NGOs have reiterated that the blockade imposed by Israel violates international humanitarian law, which prohibits the use of hunger as a method of war and requires the guarantee of unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for civilian populations in conflict zones.

Despite a fragile ceasefire established in October 2025, the Israeli Army maintains control over more than half of Gaza’s territory, and the flow of aid remains severely restricted. Reports from humanitarian agencies indicate that the population faces mass malnutrition, a lack of clean water and the collapse of the health system.

International community is called upon to act

Faced with the escalation of interceptions in international waters, the Global Sumud Flotilla and partner organizations demand that governments and multilateral organizations hold Israel accountable for flagrant violations of the law of the sea and humanitarian law.

“This is an assertion that Israel can operate with complete impunity, far beyond its own borders,” the flotilla said. “Governments must act now to protect the flotilla and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza.”

Meanwhile, the detained activists remain in Israeli custody, with no release date scheduled. The international community remains divided: while some countries condemn the blockade and interceptions, others remain silent or tacitly support Israel’s actions, perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity that costs civilian lives every day.