Global Outcry Escalates as Israel Detains Gaza Flotilla Activists; Colombia Expels Diplomats

JERUSALEM (AP) — Hundreds of international activists, including prominent European figures like Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, are being processed for deportation today, October 3, 2025, following their detention by Israeli naval forces in the Mediterranean. The arrests came after the Israeli navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a large convoy of vessels attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza on Wednesday and Thursday.

The interception, which saw Israeli forces board activist boats in international waters, has sparked immediate and widespread condemnation, triggering protests across major global cities, including Milan, Paris, and Barcelona, on October 1st and 2nd. Italy’s largest union has called for a general strike today, Friday, October 3rd, in solidarity with the flotilla.

Diplomatic fallout has been swift and severe. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced late Wednesday that his government would expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation and terminate a free trade agreement with Israel, citing the interception and Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza. Turkey, Pakistan, and others have also strongly condemned Israel’s operation, with Turkey’s Foreign Ministry describing it as an “act of terrorism.”

Israeli authorities deployed hundreds of police officers to the southern port of Ashdod to process the approximately 450 detained activists, who were part of the largest flotilla yet to challenge the Gaza blockade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended his navy, calling their actions vital to preventing vessels from entering a “war zone” and repelling a “campaign of delegitimization.”

Activists, who live-streamed parts of their voyage before connections were lost, stated their primary goal was to establish a humanitarian corridor and end what they termed an “illegal siege” and “genocide” against Palestinians. Israel maintains its blockade is a lawful measure necessary to prevent Hamas from importing arms, vehemently denying accusations of genocide, even as it faces intense criticism over the limited aid reaching Gaza amid an ongoing conflict that has killed tens of thousands since October 2023.

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