Flotilla: 21 vessels intercepted by Israel, 22 still en route to Gaza
The Flotilla was boarded by Israeli military vessels less than 70 miles from Gaza: 19 vessels were intercepted by the Israeli navy, according to activists, while 22 are still en route to the Strip. Of the 21 intercepted, 22 were Italians, including politicians Scuderi and Croatti . "Greta and her friends are safe and sound," says Israeli Foreign Minister Saar . A general strike has been called for tomorrow by the USB and CGIL. Salvini is ready to call up troops. Tensions are rising in several cities due to pro-PAL marches and protests. The government's communications on Gaza will be presented in the Chamber of Deputies today.
Flotilla, 39 boats intercepted
Thirty-nine boats have been intercepted, according to the Global Simud Flotilla's ground control room. Many boats are under forced navigation, so the tracker indicates they are underway. Currently, only three boats are definitely still underway: the two legal team boats, which already left the intervention area last night to preserve the lawyers' operations and the documentation collected, and the Marinette, which has remained far behind. There is uncertainty about the Mikeno, the boat that appears to have reached Palestinian waters. Contact with the bridge was lost before 1:00 AM, and it has been stationary for hours now, cruising at zero knots.
Among those arrested were dockworker Calp and a 23-year-old Genoese man.
Two Genoese nationals were kidnapped last night during the Israeli Navy's boarding of the Global Sumud Flotilla. One is Calp dockworker José Nivoi and the other is Pietro Queirolo Palmas , and they were on the Morgana and All In vessels. "We hereby inform you that our son Pietro Queirolo Palmas , aboard the All In vessel of the peaceful humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla, was kidnapped by Israeli soldiers in international waters in violation of maritime regulations," wrote Pietro's parents, Sara Urgeghe and Luca Queirolo Palmas . "This kidnapping occurred at 10:15 PM, when we lost contact with our son. In his last message, he warned us that they were hit with high-pressure water jets and stinging substances despite not offering any resistance to the violent kidnapping. We ask you to intervene as soon as possible to defend one of your citizens and condemn the actions" of a prime minister "who has an arrest warrant pending from the International Criminal Court for the crime of genocide."
Israeli minister: "Italy detained Hamas/Sumud passengers"
The first Italians from the Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted during the night are expected to arrive in two hours. On X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry labels them as "Hamas/Sumud passengers," reporting that "they are traveling safely to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe will begin" and that "they are safe and sound and in good health." Attached to the post are photos of Greta Thunberg and Thiago Avila.
by Alessia Candito
Here are the arrested Italians
As of 8:00 this morning, 21 Flotilla vessels had been stopped and 23 were continuing their journey to Gaza. Based on information available on the organization's website, here are some of the Italians stopped by Israeli forces and the boats they were on. - ALL INN - Pietro Queirolo Palmas, Antonio La Piccirella and Simone Zambrin. - AURORA - Federico Frasca, Gonzalo Di Pretoro, Irene Soldati, Marco Orefice and Sara Masi - HIO - Lorenzo D'Agostino - JANNOT III - Andrea Sebastiano Tribulato - KARMA - Annalisa Corrado (PD MEP), Arturo Scotto (PD MP), Margherita Cioppi, Michele Saponara, Paolo Romano, Saverio Tommasi and Romano Notarianni. - MORGANA - Barbara Schiavulli, Benedetta Scuderi (European Green Party MEP), Carlo Alberto Biasoli and Jose Nivoi. - OTARIA - Adriano Veneziani, Alessandro Mantovani, Cesare Tofani, Dario Crippa, Giorgio Patti and Manuel Pietrangeli. - SEULLE - Fabrizio De Luca, Paolo De Montis, Ruggero Zeni and Silvia Severini. - SIRIUS - Nicolas Calabrese
Entrance to the Faculty of Letters at La Sapienza University blocked
Students from the Cambiare Rotta movement have blocked the entrance to the Faculty of Letters at La Sapienza University. "Since the early hours of the morning," they say, "the entrances have been closed, the faculty is empty, and protests are increasing in solidarity with the pickets." Also in Rome, at Morgagni High School, a meeting is underway on the school's playground, "which has been occupied," the students point out. There has also been a sit-in in front of Rosellini High School, whose occupation ended a few days ago. There is also a meeting in the courtyard at Manara High School in Rome. "The government's subservience to Israel and the interests of the military must end," the students say.
Elisa in tears to Meloni: "Bring the aid yourselves."
"Now that they've blocked the Global Sumud Flotilla, bring aid yourselves, within hours, bring aid yourselves because they're dying": this is the appeal launched on social media by Elisa to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni . In the video posted on social media, the artist who filled San Siro stadium last summer addresses the prime minister in tears.
Activist: "Another 11 boats arriving in Gaza to break Israel's blockade."
"We at the Freedom Flotilla Coalition express our full solidarity and support to our friends at Sumud. This movement of humanity against barbarism did not end tonight. We are 11 boats moving towards Gaza with the same goal: to break Israel's illegal blockade on Gaza, reject the rule of the strongest, and reestablish the primacy of international law. It is time to mobilize and fight," said activist Fabio Saccomanni in a message posted a few minutes ago.
Salvini: "The flotilla chooses provocation while left-wing unions incite the streets."
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini commented on X: "The Flotilla is disrespectful, choosing provocation at a crucial moment for international diplomacy. The left-wing unions are irresponsible, inciting the streets, harming Italians."
The Flotilla is disrespectful, choosing provocation at a crucial moment for international diplomacy. The left-wing unions are irresponsible, inciting protests, harming Italians. pic.twitter.com/h02VXe1fNM
— Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) October 1, 2025
Türkiye: "Israel's Act at the Flotilla Is an Act of Terror"
The Turkish Foreign Ministry called Israel's attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla an "act of terror" that endangered the lives of innocent civilians. The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office said it had launched an investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens aboard the vessels, including for deprivation of liberty, seizure of transport vehicles, and damage to property, Anadolu news agency reported.
Milan State Highway occupied: "Ready to strike tomorrow"
Students occupied Milan's University of Milan in protest after Israeli police boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla . "The University of Milan is ready for tomorrow's general strike," read a statement posted on the 'Cambiare Rotta Milano' Facebook page.
21 ships were intercepted and around 200 people were arrested
Israeli forces finally stopped and boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was approximately 70 miles from Gaza, with approximately twenty vessels and five rubber dinghies. The flotilla, carrying medicine and food to Gaza, is composed of over 40 civilian vessels carrying approximately 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists. Twenty-one vessels were intercepted and approximately 200 people were arrested.
Tel Aviv: "Activists against Israel are safe."
The Global Sumud Flotilla activists on board the vessels detained by Israel "are safely and peacefully reaching Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe will begin," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X, adding that "the passengers are safe and in good health."
Around 30 Italians have been arrested so far
It is believed that around thirty Italians have been detained so far by Israel as part of the operation to intercept the Global Sumud Flotilla boats, which were headed to Gaza. This is according to informed sources, who emphasize that the number of detainees could rise as boardings are underway. The sources emphasize that the operation will be slow to avoid danger.
Media: "At least 11 Palestinians killed in Gaza"
At least 11 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip in the early hours of this morning, Al Jazeera reported, citing hospital sources. "A child was killed by drone fire west of Gaza City, while at least nine Palestinians were killed and 13 wounded in an attack on a refugee camp in the central area. Another was killed and 10 wounded in a drone strike south of Deir el-Balah."
Turkish TV reports: "The Mikeno ship has reached Gaza." Tracker video and onboard images
Tel Aviv: "Flotilla passengers heading to Israel are safe."
"The Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are safely on their way to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe will begin. The passengers are safe and sound and in good health," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote in X.
The number of boats intercepted rises to 20, with another 22 heading towards Gaza.
The number of vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces has risen to 20, while 22 vessels are currently continuing their journey towards the coast of the Gaza Strip. This is according to the tracker that follows the flotilla's route live. The detained vessels are Adara, All In, Alma, Aurora, Captain Nikos, Dir Yassine, Florida, Grande Blu, Hio, Huga, Jeannot III, Karma, Mohammad Bhar, Morgana, Otaria, Oxygono, Seulle, Sirius, Spectre, and Yulara.
Five Star Movement Senator Croatti also among those arrested
"If you're watching this video, I was kidnapped and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission was nonviolent and respected international law. Please tell my government to demand my immediate release and that of all the Italians on board." With these words, in a video posted on his Facebook profile, Five Star Movement Senator Marco Croatti announced that he had been detained by Israel while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla mission. Croatti was aboard the Morgana vessel, which also carried AVS MEP Benedetta Scuderi, who also announced she had been detained.
There are 23 boats still en route to Gaza
Among the vessels intercepted is the "Morgana," which, according to activists, was carrying Five Star Movement Senator Marco Croatti and AVS MEP Benedetta Scuderi. Twenty-two Italians are reportedly aboard the intercepted vessels. Of the 44 boats involved in the mission, 23 are still sailing toward the Gaza Strip, while two appear to have changed course and headed north, apparently toward Cyprus.
The number of intercepted vessels rises to 19
The number of Global Sumud Flotilla vessels intercepted by Israel so far has risen to 19. This was revealed by the tracker monitoring the flotilla's route. The vessels involved are: Adara, All In, Alma, Aurora, Captain Nikos, Dir Yassine, Florida, Grande Blu, Hio, Huga, Karma, Mohammad Bhar, Morgana, Otaria, Oxigono, Suelle, Sirius, Spectre, and Yulara.
Avs MEP Scuderi among those arrested
"They captured me, we're stopping everything! Israel has once again violated international law. We cannot remain silent." This is what MEP Benedetta Scuderi (AVS) wrote in a video posted on her Instagram profile, after being stopped along with other people aboard the Morgana vessel, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. "If you're watching this video, it's probably because I was stopped and captured illegally by Israel. They intercepted us in international waters, violated international maritime law, targeted civilians bringing aid, and did so with impunity," Scuderi states in the video. "This is a true act of piracy. We, the sea crew, and you, the land crew, have shown that a just world is possible and that we are willing to fight for it," the MEP added.
Australian Government Concerns Over Citizens Engaged in Flotilla
The Australian government has expressed "deep concern" for the safety of its citizens aboard the Gaza flotilla, with the expectation that the vessels could be intercepted by Israeli forces. Australian Department of Foreign Affairs officials said they had been in contact with the six Australians aboard the flotilla, which consists of 41 vessels. Government officials have submitted representations to the Israeli government, citing concerns that Australian citizens could be arrested by the Israel Defense Forces.
Ireland, worrying reports of wiretapping
"I am in close contact with my officials working on the ground and have also spoken to EU counterparts on the Global Sumud Flotilla. Tonight's reports are deeply concerning. This is a peaceful mission to shed light on a terrible humanitarian catastrophe," said Simon Harris, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Ireland, on X.
Malaysian Prime Minister condemns Israel's actions on the Flotilla.
"I strongly condemn Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These vessels were carrying unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies to Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion," Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrote in X. According to Flotilla spokespeople, there were 12 Malaysian nationals among the crews of the vessels intercepted by the Israeli navy. "By blocking a humanitarian mission," he added, "Israel has shown a profound disregard not only for the rights of the Palestinian people, but also for the conscience of the world. The flotilla embodied solidarity, compassion, and the hope of relief for those under siege."
Flotilla spokesman: "Israel has arrested 200 people from 37 countries."
Global Sumud Flotilla spokesman Saif Abukeshek provided a "mission update" in an Instagram post, confirming that Israeli forces intercepted 13 vessels at sea, Al Jazeera reports. Abukeshek said that more than 201 people from 37 countries were aboard the vessels, including 30 participants from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Turkey, and 12 from Malaysia. He said that the group's "mission continues" despite the arrests and that the vessels continue to sail "in the Mediterranean to break the siege of Gaza." "We have around 30 vessels that are still fighting to get away from the occupation forces' military vessels and try to reach the shores of Gaza. They are determined. They are motivated and are doing everything they can to break this [siege] by the early hours of the morning and arrive together," he explained.
Flotilla: "30 vessels continue to sail toward Gaza"
"Thirty vessels continue to sail at full speed toward Gaza, just 46 nautical miles away, despite the Israeli Navy's relentless attacks." This is what the Global Sumud Flotilla wrote in its latest update. Among the various images posted on social media since the Israeli Navy's boarding began, there are those showing crew members aboard the flotilla's vessel "Conscience" singing "Bella Ciao," thus preparing for the imminent Israeli interception.
Tajani, we still don't know where the parliamentarians are
"We still don't know" where the Italian parliamentarians are now, "I don't know if they've already disembarked from the Flotilla ships to board the Israeli ships," Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Rai 1's "Porta a Porta." "Tomorrow, late morning," Tajani noted, "we'll know everything when they arrive, since there are no reported problems and everything is proceeding very calmly, both on the Israeli side and on the Flotilla crews."
Nine Flotilla vessels intercepted
According to the tracker that monitors the vessels' operations, Israel has so far intercepted and stopped nine vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla: Adara, Alma, Aurora, Dir Yassine, Grande Blu, Huga, Sirius, Spectre, and Yulara.
Tajani: "Blocking stations doesn't help the Palestinian people."
"I don't understand why ports, stations, and airports have to be blocked to protest this Flotilla affair. It doesn't help the Palestinian people," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Porta a Porta. "The Palestinians thank us, while some organizations are demonstrating against the government," he added. Italy is "the country in the world, along with Qatar, the Emirates, Egypt, and Turkey, that has welcomed the largest number of refugees from Gaza. Therefore, we have a clear conscience, and the gratitude of the Palestinian people counts more than the discontent of a few protesters," he concluded.
Colombia expels Israeli diplomatic delegation
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the departure of the entire Israeli diplomatic delegation in the country, despite the suspension of diplomatic relations since May 2024, the date of the break with the Jewish state, and the withdrawal from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in force since August 2020. "The free trade agreement with Israel is denounced immediately," Petro stated on his X account, adding: "The entire Israeli diplomatic delegation in Colombia is leaving." These measures were taken by the Colombian president in response to the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to the Gaza Strip and the arrest of several of its members, including Colombians Manuela Bedoya and Luna Barreto.
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