On Wednesday night, at around 11 pm local time, flotilla participants reported being approached by speedboats and drones, seeing warships nearby, and having their communications jammed - but many doubted it could be interception, so far from Israeli waters.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) appears to have been intercepted off the coast of Greece – approximately 500 nautical miles, and several days sail, from Gaza.

On Wednesday night, at around 11 pm local time, participants reported being approached by speedboats and drones, seeing warships nearby, and having their communications jammed – but many doubted it could be interception, so far from Israeli waters.

Shortly afterwards, GSF’s main social media accounts posted: “Our boats were approached by military speedboats, self-identified as ‘Israel’, pointing lasers and semi-automatic assault weapons, ordering participants to get on their hands and knees.”

At 01.28 am GMT+3, GSF said it had lost contact with 11 of its 57 boats. At the time of writing, Israeli media has reported seven intercepted so far – although no videos have been shared that clearly show any boat being boarded.

GSF shared audio reportedly broadcast to the boats – including a Greenpeace support vessel – of an alleged Israeli official claiming any attempt to breach the blockade was a violation of international law, and ordering them to turn back.

On board, participants appeared steadfast – but angry and confused. While Israel has illegally intercepted dozens of past flotillas in international waters, including the last GSF mission in Autumn 2025, this has usually happened at around 100 nautical miles from Gaza or less. Having only departed Italy a few days ago, this flotilla is five times that distance away and currently close to Greek waters.

Australian filmmaker Juliet Lamont, who is sailing for a second time, said in a video posted on Instagram: “We have a warship over here, potentially boarding one of our comrades… Look, here, it’s coming towards us. We are now in the sight of a potential warship from an unknown entity. We don’t know what’s going on. We’re completely at a loss. Our radios have been jammed. There’s been drone activity…. We’re preparing for interception. Safety protocols are in place. We’re preparing to go. Wish us luck.”

Others speculated that the interceptors could be part of another navy, working on behalf of the IDF. Israeli media has reported, however, that the IDF is responsible for the hijackings.

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