Israeli warships have just attempted to sink boats of the Global Freedom Flotilla using water cannons

According to organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and reports from news outlets, Israeli naval forces used high-pressure water cannons against humanitarian boats in October 2025. The GSF was part of a larger, coordinated flotilla attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. 

Water cannons: Multiple reports indicate Israeli warships employed high-pressure water cannons against the flotilla’s vessels, including the Maria Christina and Yulara.

Ramming: The GSF also alleged that the Israeli navy deliberately rammed the vessel Florida.

Drone attacks: This incident followed earlier reports in September 2025 that the flotilla had been targeted by Israeli drones, which allegedly dropped stun grenades and itching powder on the vessels while they were near Greece.

Interception and detention: The Israeli navy intercepted dozens of the flotilla’s vessels in international waters, detaining hundreds of activists and towing many of the boats to the port of Ashdod. Prominent detainees included activist Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson.

Communications jamming: Organizers claimed that communications on the flotilla were disrupted during the interception, with livestreams cut off and some activists resorting to using smartphones before they were also reportedly disabled.

Differing accounts: Israel said it had safely stopped the vessels and that the passengers were in good health before deportation proceedings began. Activists rejected this, with some, including Greta Thunberg, releasing pre-recorded videos claiming they had been “kidnapped”. Israel claimed the flotilla’s intentions were provocative, not humanitarian, a charge the organizers denied. 

This was the latest of several attempts by the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza in 2025, all of which had been intercepted by Israeli forces.

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza: The flotilla’s mission was in response to the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a famine was declared by a UN-backed authority.

International reaction: The interception and the tactics used drew international condemnation from human rights groups and several countries. Amnesty International called the interception “a brazen assault against solidarity activists,” while the presidents of Colombia and Turkey publicly denounced the action.