8 October 2025
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) says the Israeli military attacked its convoy of boats and intercepted several vessels as they were sailing towards Gaza.
The FFC said the military had attacked The Conscience – a boat carrying 93 journalists, doctors and activists – before it attacked and intercepted three smaller boats on Wednesday.
Its passengers were “being held in unknown conditions”, it said.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on X that a raid on the flotilla had taken place.
“Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing,” the ministry said.
“The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly,” it added.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he strongly condemned the Israeli action and demanded that Malaysian activists taking part in the flotilla mission be released.
Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the flotilla includes its citizens and lawmakers. It called Israel’s actions a “grave violation of international law” and “an act of piracy.”
Irish, French and Danish activists, among other nationals, are also reportedly on board the flotilla.
The FFC, an international network of pro-Palestinian activist groups that organises civilian maritime missions, said the boats were carrying “vital aid” worth more than $110,000 in medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies destined for Gaza’s starving hospitals.
Source: aljazeera
