Israel has announced that activists detained during its raid on the Global Sumud Flotilla will be transferred to Europe, after the Israeli navy seized nearly the entire aid convoy bound for Gaza.

According to officials, 39 out of roughly 40 boats in the flotilla were intercepted and towed to the port of Ashdod, while only one vessel remains on course toward Gaza.

The flotilla, which had drawn global attention, was carrying humanitarian supplies and international peace activists for Palestinians in the besieged enclave.

Organisers confirmed that Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was among the foreign passengers aboard the convoy.

Israeli forces boarded the vessels overnight, blocking aid and detaining several of the participants. The navy later declared its intention to deport the detained foreign nationals to European countries.

Despite the raid, one boat continues its attempt to reach Gaza, symbolising what organisers call “the determination to break the blockade and deliver urgent aid to Palestinians.”

The incident has sparked international condemnation, with rights groups and governments urging Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian assistance and allow the flotilla’s cargo to reach civilians in Gaza.

The flotilla, which set sail in late August, was carrying food and medicines to besieged Gaza.

Organisers said it comprised more than 40 civilian boats with about 500 people on board, including parliamentarians, lawyers, and human rights activists from 37 countries.

Footage streamed live from the ships showed Israeli commandos in helmets and night-vision gear boarding the vessels, while passengers in life jackets stood together with their hands raised.

In a video released by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Greta Thunberg was seen seated on deck surrounded by soldiers.

Israeli forces confirmed the activists had been taken into custody and transferred to Israel, from where they would be deported to Europe. The raid has sparked widespread protests in Italy, Colombia, Ireland, Greece, and Turkey, with labour unions in Italy announcing a general strike on Friday.

Observers have described the Sumud Flotilla as the most significant challenge to Israel’s Gaza blockade to date. Turkey, Spain, and Italy had earlier dispatched vessels and drones to monitor the convoy amid repeated Israeli warnings for it to turn back.

Despite the interception, flotilla organisers vowed to continue their campaign, urging worldwide protests. On its official X account, the movement said: In the next six hours, the Global Sumud Flotilla movement will deliver a resounding message to the entire world as its ships dock in Gaza: Breaking the siege was always possible. The whole world is complicit in witnessing the Gaza genocide and not doing anything about it!!!

Tracking data earlier showed that 20 of the 44 vessels had been seized by Israeli forces by 5:28am local time.

Protest wave and rejection of Israeli food

Activists detained on board have reportedly refused to eat food offered by Israeli forces.

Meanwhile, human rights groups and international observers have demanded independent investigations into the arrests, alleged violations, and the denial of humanitarian aid access.

In addition to protests already underway, flotilla organisers said they would intensify their efforts globally to mobilise public opinion and political pressure against Israel’s blockade and the raid.