Greta Thunberg, leading the Global Sumud Flotilla on a humanitarian mission to Gaza, was allegedly subjected to abuse by Israeli forces, according to fellow international volunteers. Reports indicate Thunberg was reportedly dragged on the ground and forced to kiss an Israeli flag, while other participants experienced similar mistreatment. Activists from Malaysia, the U.S., Turkey, and Italy described being paraded, denied water and medicine, and treated “like dogs” over several days. Italian journalist Lorenzo Agostino called Thunberg “a brave 22-year-old woman” who was humiliated publicly. Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was also accused of shoving Thunberg into a room. Israel detained over 450 activists from 40 vessels attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, prompting global criticism. Turkish officials confirmed 137 detainees were sent to Turkey, including 36 Turkish citizens. Israel announced the remaining activists would be returned to Europe soon.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest sea-based humanitarian mission to Gaza, united doctors, lawyers, politicians, artists, and activists from around the world to defy Israel’s blockade and deliver aid to Palestinians. Behind this daring voyage stood ten key figures—the “Steering Committee”—whose leadership transformed vision into action. They include Greek historian Cleoniki Alexopoulou, Turkish-German activist Yasemin Akar, Brazilian environmentalist Thiago Ávila, Italian physicist Maria Elena Delia, Palestinian organizer Saif Abu Keshek, Malaysian humanitarian Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri, Algerian leader Marouane Ben Guettaya, Tunisian activists Wael Nawar and Haifa Mansouri, and rural women’s rights advocate Torkia Chaibi. Their collective courage symbolizes global solidarity with Gaza, connecting movements from Latin America to North Africa. Each brought unique expertise—from academia to grassroots organizing—demonstrating that compassion and resistance can sail together against oppression. The flotilla remains a beacon of international moral defiance and human unity.

Hamas has responded cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza, highlighting disagreements over the territory’s administrative structure and the group’s future role. Trump’s plan calls for Gaza to be managed by an internationally supervised technocratic committee, including global figures such as Tony Blair, and envisages gradual demilitarization. Hamas insists that Gaza should be run by an independent Palestinian technocratic committee formed on national consensus, with Arab and Islamic support. While the group expressed agreement on key aspects such as a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops, exchange of prisoners, and humanitarian aid, it did not accept proposals involving international oversight or its own removal from governance. Hamas emphasized that Gaza’s administration must follow national consensus and international law. The group also refrained from commenting on international peacekeepers or the safe exit of its members, signaling ongoing friction despite partial alignment on humanitarian issues.

Photographer-director Shahidul Alam posted on Facebook that all vessels of the Freedom Flotilla are now sailing together toward Gaza after the ship Conshans made contact with eight earlier boats. Alam said Conshans, the largest vessel in the convoy which departed Italy on September 30, had been moving faster than the other ships and briefly touched those ahead; its speed was reduced and the fleet is now proceeding as a single formation. Conshans belongs to international initiatives including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madelins to Gaza, aiming to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade and highlight the humanitarian crisis. Alam emphasized the flotilla carries no food aid, described the Thousand Madelins idea as symbolic yet unprecedented, and argued global leaders’ inaction has compelled civil society to act. He affirmed the crew’s determination to break the siege, warned that if any vessels are stopped others will press on, and expressed confidence that repression cannot withstand popular resolve; Palestine will ultimately be freed soon.

Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, have launched an indefinite hunger strike. The international organization To Break the Siege of Gaza confirmed the strike, stating it will continue until the detainees are released and aid reaches the besieged territory. Israel has intercepted nearly all 44 ships of the flotilla, detaining over 450 human rights activists from more than 50 countries. The flotilla aimed to provide aid and challenge the Israeli blockade, but reports indicate the ships were stopped in international waters. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 66,200 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children. The UN and human rights groups warn that the ongoing violence and blockade are making Gaza increasingly unlivable, with severe shortages of food and medicine, spreading famine, and rising disease.

Bangladeshi photographer and Drik managing director Shahidul Alam has joined the humanitarian naval convoy, Global Sumud Flotilla, heading toward Gaza. In a video message on 3 October 2025, he stated that he is traveling separately from the flotilla with eight other vessels. Unlike the other ships tasked with delivering aid, Shahidul’s mission is to challenge and break the Israeli blockade. He emphasized that the flotilla includes journalists, doctors, and other personnel, but their purpose is not humanitarian aid; it is a protest against Israel’s attacks on Palestinians, journalists, and medical staff. Shahidul also condemned the recent killing of 14 Médecins Sans Frontières doctors, criticizing international inaction. He declared that the time for dialogue is over and that decisive action is necessary. Despite challenging sea conditions, he stated he is fully prepared to reach Gaza and fulfill the mission, expressing determination that Palestine will ultimately be free.

Israeli forces have detained the last operational ship of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Polish-flagged Marinet, carrying six crew members near the Palestinian coast on October 3. Earlier, Israel had seized 43 other vessels in the aid convoy. Human rights activists, including Greta Thunberg, were aboard the flotilla. The initiative, involving over 40 civilian ships from 44 countries, aims to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel claims links between the flotilla and Hamas, though no evidence has been presented.

Hamas, the Palestinian resistance group, announced it will soon respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace proposal. Mohammad Nazal, a Hamas political bureau member, said the group has the right to express its stance to protect Palestinian interests. The plan, supported by Israeli PM Netanyahu, calls for a ceasefire, release of hostages within 72 hours, and interim governance in Gaza overseen by the U.S., Europe, and Arab countries. Hamas is reviewing the plan amid urgent security concerns.

The Palestinian Gaza-bound aid fleet, Global Sumud Flotilla, has seen all vessels intercepted except The Marinet, a Polish-flagged ship with six crew members. Currently in international waters, The Marinet moves at 2.16 knots, about 100 km from Gaza. Its engine, recently repaired, allows continued navigation and live communication via Starlink. Flotilla organizers emphasize that the ship symbolizes resilience against blockade and violence. Israeli forces have detained rights activists on other vessels, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

Bangladeshi photographer and Drik managing director Shahidul Alam, aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, has shared two video messages saying the fleet is very close to Gaza. In the first video, he mentioned feeling unwell due to rough seas, but reassured that medical care on board is adequate. In the second, he captured views from the ship’s deck, smiling and interacting with fellow passengers. The flotilla, carrying nearly 500 activists, doctors, journalists, and parliamentarians from 44 countries, aims to deliver aid to Gaza.

An Israeli naval vessel reportedly fired water cannons at the Mikeno, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. Activist Muhammad Huzayfa Kukukayatekin said the Israeli ship pursued them for 10 minutes before soaking the vessel, supplies, and crew, causing distress among passengers. Israel has already detained most flotilla ships, claiming it stopped attempts to breach a lawful blockade. The international fleet of over 40 civilian vessels carries 500 activists, politicians, doctors, and journalists from 44 countries.

Defying Israeli naval efforts, The Marinette, the final vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla, continues its journey toward the blockaded Gaza Strip. The Polish-flagged ship, carrying six human rights activists, is now just 100 kilometers from Gaza’s coast. Earlier mechanical issues were resolved, and the vessel proceeds at a steady pace, maintaining communication via Starlink. Israeli forces have already intercepted 43 out of 44 flotilla boats and detained over 500 activists at Ashdod port for deportation.

Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam reported feeling unwell while traveling on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. On October 2, he shared a Facebook video saying rough seas caused him to vomit, after which he lay down to recover. Alam noted he had just given a BBC interview when the ship began to sway. A doctor onboard is monitoring his condition, and his equipment has been secured. Despite the turbulence, Alam said he is now stable and hopeful of quick recovery.

Amnesty International has condemned Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, calling it “illegal” and an attack on a peaceful humanitarian mission. The group’s chief, Agnès Callamard, said Israeli authorities had long threatened participants and even tried to sabotage ships. Israel detained 443 activists from countries including Spain, Italy, Brazil, Turkey, the U.S., Germany, and the UK, seizing 43 of 44 aid vessels. Amnesty accused Israel of genocide and of deliberately blocking life-saving relief for Gaza.

Hamas has denounced Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound humanitarian mission carrying aid workers, journalists, and volunteers from 44 countries. The group described the interception and detention of civilians as “piracy” and “a crime against humanity.” At least one vessel has entered Gaza’s waters, with 23 more advancing, though Israel’s role in intercepting them remains unclear. The flotilla, which set sail from Spain with over 40 ships, has drawn widespread global attention and calls for international protection.