Flotilla, Israel: '400 activists detained'. Parliamentarians and reporters also detained. Rallies in several Italian cities, tensions between police and demonstrators

The demonstrators in Florence have left the railway tracks in the Santa Maria Novella station, but checks on the infrastructure by the Polfer and FS staff have been started before restarting train circulation to rule out damage. Some of the demonstrators are still in the station, others have headed for the streets, particularly towards the Fortezza. Tonight, the Conference League match between Fiorentina and Sigma Olomouc is also being played at the Stadio Franchi. The match is in progress but many fans have planned to return home using trains.

"Today the guarantee commission declared illegitimate the strike declared by CGIL and the ultra-left for tomorrow. It seems that Landini doesn't give a damn and goes straight ahead. Whoever - this is an appeal I make to workers - will damage and block the country in the name of an illegitimate strike, will pay the consequences". Thus the vice-premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini in a video just posted on Instagram. "What's more," he continued, "since the law that provides penalties for those who participate and organise illegal strikes is from 1990 and has ridiculous penalties, I have brought to the cdm the proposal to update these rules and penalties to 2025 because whoever does wrong will pay. 'Just as the League proposes that those who organise marches and demonstrations should leave a deposit from their bank account and in the event of damage to cars, property or persons, those who have organised pay out of their own pocket,' Salvini added, 'even for those who organise and participate in illegal strikes that bring a country to its knees and ruin the day for millions of workers, students, commuters, they will have to pay the consequences personally. So I appeal for common sense, for respect for the rules: everyone waves the flags they want but with respect for others'. "Police officers, carabinieri, railway workers and the vast majority of Italians who just want to work and live in peace are also workers. Last warning, as there are another 40 strikes proclaimed between now and the end of the year. If common sense prevails tomorrow, we will behave in a certain way; if arrogance, violence and oppression prevail tomorrow, we will know how to react'.

'Grave act of the Guarantee Commission that instrumentally interprets the reasons for the strike' calls for the 'immediate' withdrawal of tomorrow's abstention. Thus the unions Cube and Sgb confirm in a note tomorrow's general strike over the blockade of the Flotilla and Gaza. "A political decision," they underline, "aimed at denying the evidence that, as stated in our convocation, according to art. 2 paragraph 7 of Law 146/90 the 'minimum notices' must not be complied with because we are faced with a serious violation of the Constitution and the endangering of the lives of the workers embarked on the Global Sumud Flotilla. The General Base Union (Sfb) and the Confederazione Unitaria di Base (Cub) "have decided to confirm and challenge the Commission's immediate indication and possible measures in the competent fora. We invite everyone to participate in the strike and demonstrations organised for tomorrow throughout Italy".

"Yes, it is legitimate because the naval blockade was already considered legitimate years ago when ten people died as a result of an attempt to violate a naval blockade. From this point of view you can say that it is, but the issue is not legitimacy but the safety of all our people'. So said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to 'Diritto e Rovescio' (Right and Wrong), regarding Israel's arrest of the Flotilla activists.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani contacted his Israeli colleague Gideon Sa'ar to ask him for information and guarantees for all the Italians participating in the Flotilla who were detained in Israel: this is what we learn from Farnesina sources.

Tajani confirmed to Minister Saar details on the status and legal immunity status of the four parliamentarians who are members of the group; he called for the acceleration of all procedures for the immediate release of all Italian citizens.

The Milanese procession organised by the social centres for Palestine and in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla arrived in Piazza Duomo. The demonstrators, at least ten thousand in number, arrived partly from Via Manzoni, partly from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, in a peaceful manner. 'We wanted to get to Piazza Duomo,' said a young activist from the microphone as she arrived in the square, 'and here we are. And from Piazza Duomo we shouted 'Let's block everything', 'Free Palestine'". The demonstrators then split up, one group lined up on the steps of the cathedral, another group occupied the monument in the centre of the square. All continued to shout 'Free Palestine', waving Palestine flags.

In Naples, moments of tension between police and pro-Pal demonstrators who took to the streets again after the stop of the Global Sumud Flotilla off Gaza. Hundreds of people, with flags and banners, gathered in Piazza del Carmine and marched down Via Nuova Marina to the chorus 'Free Palestine' before heading to one of the entrances of the commercial port. Here there was a push and shove between the police and those who wanted to enter the port whose access had been protected by closing the gates.

The intention of those in the square was to block the ship Msc Edith II, waiting at one of the terminals. In a communiqué, the Naples Network for Palestine challenged Msc's commercial relations with Israel.

This morning, an attack by Israeli forces killed Omar Hayek, a staff member of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and seriously injured four other MSF workers. The attack occurred as the MSF team was waiting on the street for the bus that would take them to work at the organisation's field hospital in Deir al Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. All of the workers were wearing white waistcoats clearly marked with the MSF logo that clearly identified them as medical-humanitarian workers.

We express our deep sorrow and outrage at the killing of Omar, which came less than two weeks after another of our workers, Hussein Alnajjar, was killed by Israeli forces in Deir Al Balah. At this tragic moment, our thoughts are with Omar's family and colleagues.

Hamas must accept the Trump administration's peace plan and disarm, while Israel must have no justification for continuing its offensive in Gaza, said Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, speaking at the French Institute for International Relations in Paris.

"If Hamas rejects it we will see further escalation. That is why we are making our most intensive efforts to make this plan viable and get Hamas' approval," he explained, stressing however that the US proposal needs further modifications: "There are many gaps to be filled, we need further discussions on how to implement it, especially on two important issues: governance and security arrangements."

At the University of Verona, students occupied the Polo Zanotto in solidarity with the Palestinian people and the Global Sumud Flotilla. "The large participation in this afternoon's assembly demonstrates which side the academic world of Verona wants to be on: not in silence, not in neutrality, but in the field of justice and freedom," says Irene Lupi, president of the Udu student council of the University of Verona, in a note. Also in the city of Verona, a garrison of health workers for Gaza was held in front of the Borgo Trento hospital.

Multiple arrests were reported during a demonstration for Gaza at the Swedish Foreign Ministry, public TV Svt reported. Protesters reportedly blocked the entrance to the ministry and violently resisted the police who had arrived on the scene, according to police reports.

The pro-Palestine demonstrators, who had gathered in Piazza Politeama in Palermo, reached the port, blocking the entrance and disrupting road traffic. About two thousand people took part in the procession, including many young people. There were many Palestinian flags and those of Potere al Popolo. There were moments of tension with the police and a lightening charge. Then the demonstrators, blocked by police and carabinieri in riot gear, remained in front of the port preventing cars from entering. The procession is heading to the Children's Hospital where there is already a pro-Gaza garrison.

Milan's pro-Palestine procession arrived in Piazza della Scala. At least ten thousand participants are marching, including young and old, students and families. More than five kilometres have been covered so far by the demonstrators who, crossing the city's neighbourhoods, have at times met with support, at other times with protests from citizens in their homes and streets. In viale Abruzzi, Città Studi area, some motorists stuck in traffic hurled improper words at the procession, unleashing the demonstrators' anger. In viale Regina Giovanna, Porta Venezia district, other motorists, also stuck in a traffic jam, honked their horns applauding and high-fiving some young protesters. Finally, in Corso Venezia, in the middle of the ztl zone, a resident threw eggs from the window of his flat, without reaction or repercussions. The procession is now halted in front of Palazzo Marino, the seat of the Milan City Council, where smoke bombs are being lit and Palestine flags are being waved.

The procession that passed through Florence this evening ended with the occupation of the platforms of the Santa Maria Novella station, arising from the protest against the Israeli action against the Global Sumud Flotilla ships and to demand freedom for Palestine. About 3,000 demonstrators, including many students, met at 6pm in Piazza Indipendenza, carrying flags, drums and smoke bombs. The course reached Via Nazionale, then towards Piazza Adua next to the Santa Maria Novella station. Up to that point, the demonstration took place without incident, but the mood changed on arrival at the station. At the entrance to Santa Maria Novella, the police blocked access to the railway tracks, closing the main gates. In response, some protesters threw bottles and paper bombs, and moments of confrontation developed. The security forces reacted with charges: the protesters, however, managed to penetrate the tracks and occupy them. During these phases, the trains were stopped and the gates accessible to the public temporarily closed, causing disruptions in railway traffic. Tomorrow a general strike and a unitary procession is planned in Florence, with CGIL and Usb in the front row: the appointment is at the Fortezza da Basso, from 9.15 am.

Shortly before 8 p.m., some participants in the pro-PAL procession forced an entrance to the central station in Trieste, Viale Miramare side. The demonstrators broke through the glass to enter the station, throwing objects and bottles, and were repelled by the police in riot gear with a few lightening charges and the throwing of smoke bombs. In the tension, a Polfer police officer was injured.

Law enforcement personnel had been stationed at the entrances to protect the many travellers as well. The demonstrators are now marching along the banks.

While waiting for Hamas to comment on the Trump Plan to end the war in Gaza, White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt said in an interview with Fox News that 'the president will draw a red line for the terrorist organisation's response'. She added: "We hope and expect that Hamas will accept it." Clear message. The group has not yet provided an official response, but through various sources has made it known that internal positions are not unequivocal. According to Bbc, 'mediators contacted the head of the military wing who said he did not agree with the new ceasefire document. It is believed that Izz al-Din al-Haddad believes it is designed to put an end to Hamas, whether or not he accepts the American proposal, and is therefore determined to continue fighting'. Palestinian sources told Al Arabiya that the armed factions in Gaza "want clear guarantees of Israel's commitment to a ceasefire, and to link the release of hostages to the timetable for the IDF withdrawal".

Another report, on the other hand, states that the 'positive' decision could be communicated soon but several changes will be requested. Qatar meanwhile has contacted the United States to amend some of them: in particular the timing of the army's withdrawal from the Strip, disarmament and security guarantees after the possible exile of the leadership. Among the amendments were also the 72 hours to release the hostages alive: 'Difficult to trace their captors'. But this time Hamas has no more room for demands and strategies. Only Iran and some Western squares remain to support it. Arab and Muslim countries support the American programme. Everything changed in a few minutes on 10 September. When Israel attacked the Hamas leadership in Doha, notifying the emirate that there are no borders to prevent the terrorists' leaders from being hit. Qatar saw the 12 IDF missiles arrive without the US defence system (the US has its largest military base in the country) firing a single interceptor. The warning sirens in the capital remained silent. It is unlikely that the US radar did not track the attack. Without officially declaring it,

The antagonist section of the procession in Turin - in which more than twenty thousand people are participating against the blockade of the Flotilla - broke away from the demonstration and devastated the Ogr (Officine Grandi Riparazioni) where the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyer, John Elkann and Jeff Bezos are expected for a series of meetings tomorrow. About two hundred masked people broke through the gates and glass, smashed planters and doors, destroyed chairs and tables with poles, torches and smoke bombs. They threatened journalists who were filming what was happening. The protesters were then removed by the police

Tear gas and clashes in Via Carracci in Bologna, where part of the Usb and social centres' procession in solidarity with the Flotilla headed to the station and tried to reach the other entrance of the railway station. Here the blockade was far from the entrance by the carabinieri, who fired tear gas canisters and on the other side the activists responded with throwing bottles and other objects and then also with firecrackers and fireworks.

"I commend the soldiers and commanders of the Navy who carried out their mission during Yom Kippur in the most professional and effective manner. Their important operation prevented dozens of boats from entering the war zone and repelled a campaign of delegitimization against Israel." This was stated by Benyamin Netanyahu.

"I spoke with the Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, I thanked him for the fact that nothing had happened and that nothing had happened to any citizen, not just an Italian. This was also part of the professionalism in carrying out an action, which some considered unjust, but which could have been carried out in a more or less violent way: it was carried out in the softest, lightest way possible. And that is something we must always thank him for, and I thanked him. Now we wait for the time to pass and for the citizens to return to their countries'. This was said by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in an interview with Dritto e Rovescio on Rete 4.

"Congratulations to the IDF and all security agencies for their exemplary performance in stopping and neutralising the Gaza-bound terrorist flotilla. A holy work in the middle of the holy day: for the security of the State of Israel". Thus on X Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Israeli forces confirm that they have taken control of 41 boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla and that 400 activists are detained. In a statement, the IDF explains that the interception operation, which lasted 12 hours from last night until this morning, involved forces from the naval commando unit Shayetet 13 and the security unit Snapir, along with other naval forces. The Flotilla's six largest boats were boarded first, followed by the smaller ones, continued the communiqué, which specified that all boats were towed to the port of Ashdod where the activists were transferred to be deported from Israel.

"At the moment, according to information received so far, the established plan is that all activists, including parliamentarians and journalists, will be taken to Ketziot prison, pending the completion of all procedures for repatriation to take place. All those detained will then be asked if they intend to sign a document declaring that they are responsible for entering Israel illegally and to accept deportation: in this case they would leave the country very soon". This is what sources of the Flotilla Italia's lawyers say.

From a sort of "administrative detention" to "rapid expulsion" for the Flotilla activists stranded off the Gaza coast. Explaining to Adnkronos the possible scenarios after the boarding by the Israeli authorities is Mitja Gialuz, Professor of Criminal Procedure Law at the University of Genoa, according to whom, in any case, the "most correct interpretation key for this case is political and not legal". In the Flotilla affair "there has been an intervention by the states of citizenship of the people involved, who have exercised a form of diplomatic protection in order to obtain a rapid expulsion", notes Gialuz, adding that the activists are now subjected to "a form of 'administrative detention': they have been taken to the port and will be taken to a detention centre with a view to expulsion".

In front of the Israeli judge, Gialuz sees no room for not validating the expulsion: "It is a matter that will also be handled at a political level and I think Israel has every interest, at this stage, not to open criminal proceedings or - if it does open them - to suspend them in order to carry out the expulsion, subject to individual and specific cases," he notes. "I imagine that the activists are contesting the legitimacy of Israel's operation in international waters and that, through its military, it intervened on board vessels or ships flying the flags of foreign countries because, on the basis of the Sea Convention, in international waters the only jurisdiction is that of the flag state". Should the activists refuse to sign any reports, 'the expulsion would go ahead anyway, perhaps with a slightly longer time frame'.

"We demand that all rules are respected and that our compatriots are protected. We are closely monitoring the situation together with our most concerned European partners, in particular Italy and Spain". This was said by French President Emmanuel Macron, explaining that the choice of the activists on the Flotilla "is a choice of commitment, in the face of a situation that we ourselves have denounced in the most official way and in the face of which we are acting and want to continue to act". "We are monitoring developments and will take appropriate measures," he added.

The Strike Guarantee Commission, which met today, assessed as illegitimate the general strike proclaimed for tomorrow, 3 October, 'in violation of the legal obligation to give notice, as provided for by Law 146/90'. This can be read in a note specifying that in the measure adopted, the Guarantor considered "the proclaiming trade unions' reference to Article 2, paragraph 7, which provides for the possibility of carrying out strikes without prior notice only 'in cases of abstention from work in defence of the constitutional order, or protest for serious events detrimental to the safety and security of workers', to be irrelevant". The Authority then sent an immediate instruction to the trade unions, reminding them that 'failure to comply entails, among other things, the opening of a conduct assessment procedure'.

According to the Palestinian Ma'an news agency, Hamas emphasised to the mediators the difficulty of releasing all hostages still alive and handing over the bodies of those killed to the IDF within 72 hours, as per US President Donald Trump's plan, should the agreement be reached. Hamas indicated that the main problem is that 'the organisation is unable to communicate with the groups holding the abductees due to the intensity of Israeli operations in Gaza, and does not have accurate information on the location and current health conditions of the detainees'.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot called Israel's interception of pro-Palestinian activists on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla "unacceptable", saying he had summoned the Israeli ambassador. "The way they were boarded in international waters is unacceptable, which is why I summoned the ambassador," Prevot told MPs in Brussels.

The Israeli Navy's operation to detain the Flotilla at sea has "ended, and the transfer of its members to the port of Ashdod is underway, in view of the subsequent expulsion procedures. As expected, the number of Italians detained is rising: they are now "40" but "the picture will be definitive at the end of all identification procedures". This was said by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in his reply after his communications to the Senate on the recent developments in the situation in the Gaza Strip.

"After Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted the boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful and non-violent convoy carrying food, milk powder, medicine and volunteers from 47 countries to Gaza, hundreds of participants were abducted and apparently taken aboard the large military ship MSC Johannesburg". Thus the Global Sumud Flotilla. "Adalah lawyers representing the flotilla participants with the Israeli authorities," the Gsf explains, "have received minimal updates and have not been informed whether the approximately 443 flotilla volunteers, forcibly taken from their boats, will arrive in Ashdod, where they are expected to be tried under illegal detention.

Activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla were subjected to an 'illegal abduction in direct violation of international law and fundamental human rights' by Israeli forces. This was stated in a statement by the flotilla, taking stock of the situation after the night's boardings continued this morning.

"After the naval forces of the Israeli occupation illegally intercepted the boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla - a peaceful, non-violent convoy carrying food, baby formula, medicine and volunteers from 47 countries to Gaza - hundreds of participants were abducted and allegedly taken aboard the large warship MSC Johannesburg," the JSF charges.

"The Hamas-Flotilla Sumud provocation is over. None of the Flotilla's yachts succeeded in its attempt to enter an active combat zone or to violate the legitimate naval blockade. All the passengers are safe and sound. They are travelling safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe. One last ship of this provocation remains at a distance. If it were to approach, its attempt to enter an active combat zone and violate the naval blockade would also be prevented,' the Israeli Foreign Ministry writes on X.

The Israeli army denies reports by some Flotilla activists that - based on incorrect tracking information - there are boats that have reached Gaza waters. None of the boats in the flotilla managed to reach Israeli-controlled waters off the Gaza coast, the IDF quoted in Israeli media as saying.

"The Israeli authorities are intent on making a single court order of forced expulsion of all the members of the Flotilla. They would transfer them on Monday the 6th and Tuesday the 7th to Ben Gurion airport and with two flights send them to two separate European capitals". For now 'they have asked for Madrid and London, but we will see. I don't think the flights will arrive in Italy'. This was said by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani giving the latest updates on the activists on board the Flotilla.

At present, two boats of the Sumud Flotilla are still heading towards Gaza: the Fair Lady and the Marinette. This was stated by activists to the pan-Arab media. The Mikeno, which according to Turkish media arrived in Gaza waters, has lost contact with the organisers.

Forces from the Israeli Navy's naval commando unit Shayetet 13 boarded around 40 of the 47 boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla. At least four boats are stranded at sea due to technical problems, unrelated to the military actions, while three others are still sailing monitored by the Navy to ensure they do not reach Gaza. The Times of Israel reports this, adding that the Navy is also prepared to detain activists on board those boats or tow them into port.

"For the Italians stranded by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean there will be a special flight organised by the Italian authorities. So at the moment it seems unlikely that they will pay and that they will be charged for this". Thus sources from the legal team of Sumud Flotilla Italia, who specify that the Italians are "all safe and should all be repatriated".

A Global Sumud Flotilla ship, the 'Mikeno', has entered Gaza's territorial waters. This was reported by various Turkish media, quoting Flotilla representatives, while the organisation's website tracker also shows the 'Mikeno' within territorial waters off the coast of Gaza

"I still believe that all this will not bring any benefit to the people of Palestine, on the other hand I understand that it will bring a lot of inconvenience to the Italian people". Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told reporters in Copenhagen.

Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Gaza 'want clear guarantees of Israel's commitment to a ceasefire, and to link the release of prisoners to the timetable for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza'. Al Arabiya writes this, citing informed Palestinian sources. "Factions have expressed concern about some of the vague provisions of the US president's plan, and have submitted amendments," it adds. Hamas "is still consulting other factions and mediators".

"At the moment there are 22 Italians detained. We continue to monitor the situation. On my instructions, the Consulate in Tel Aviv and the Consulate General in Jerusalem will assist all the Italians, both at the port and in the repatriation procedures. Already since tonight, the two Consulates have been in contact with the lawyers of the Italian citizens who embarked. According to the information available, gathered through the Crisis Unit, which is following the situation step by step, all our compatriots are in good condition'. This was stated by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in the Chamber of Deputies speaking about the Italian activists of the Flotilla.

"I had repeatedly spoken with Israeli Minister Sa'ar, asking for aggressive actions to be avoided. I am relieved to see that the rules of engagement have been respected and that so far there are no acts of violence or complications in the operations of the Israeli forces. As early as Friday, the first departures could take place, especially for those who will agree to leave Israel voluntarily. For those who will refuse immediate expulsion, it will be necessary to wait for the Israeli Judicial Authority's rejection order, which could take 48-72 hours'. Thus Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani (

Iran has objected to the Israeli navy's intervention against the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing it as 'an act of terrorism' that violates international law. According to Irna reports, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, described Israel's intervention as 'a clear violation of international principles' and 'an act of terrorism', praising the Flotilla activists and urging the international community to take immediate measures in response to the incident and end the 'genocide in occupied Palestine'.

At least 11 Palestinians were killed in the early hours of this morning across the Gaza Strip by Israeli raids, al Jazeera reports citing hospital sources. "A child was killed by drone fire west of Gaza City, while at least nine Palestinians were killed and 13 wounded in an attack on a refugee camp in the central area. Another was killed and 10 wounded in a drone attack south of Deir el-Balah."

"The Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are travelling safely to Israel, where they will begin deportation procedures to Europe. The passengers are safe and sound and in good health'. This was written on X by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

The number of Global Sumud Flotilla boats intercepted and stopped by Israel has risen to 13. This was announced in an update on Instagram by Saif Abukeshek, a member of the steering committee of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

There are more than 200 activists on board the boats, from over 30 countries. They include 30 Spanish nationals, 22 Italians, 21 Turks, 12 Malaysians, 11 Tunisians and Brazilians, 10 French, 9 Irish, 8 Algerians, 7 Americans, 7 Germans, 6 British.

The Global Sumud Flotilla reported today that the ship Morgana, carrying Italian parliamentarians and journalists, was also intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces while sailing towards Gaza.

"Israeli naval forces illegally intercepted and boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla's vessel Morgana along with other vessels in international waters. Live broadcasts and communications have been disrupted. The status of the participants and crew remains unconfirmed," reads the flotilla's communication.

"I don't understand why to protest against this affair" of the Flotilla "one should block ports, stations, airports. It does not help the Palestinian people". Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Porta a Porta. "The Palestinians thank us, while some organisations make demonstrations to speak against the government," he added. Italy is "the country in the world, along with Qatar, the Emirates, Egypt and Turkey, that has taken in the largest number of refugees from Gaza. So we are with a clear conscience and the gratitude of the Palestinian people counts more than the discontent of a few demonstrators,' he concluded.

The boardings by Israeli forces of boats that are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla continue. According to the caravan, the latest ship taken by Jewish state forces is the Seulle. In all, some 20 ships have been boarded so far.

"Israeli naval forces illegally intercepted and boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla's vessel Seulle along with other vessels in international waters," GSF wrote on Telegram. "Live broadcasts and communications have been disrupted. The status of the participants and crew remains unconfirmed," it continued. "This," it concludes, "is an illegal attack on unarmed civilians engaged in a humanitarian mission. We call on governments and international institutions to immediately demand their safety and release'. Oxygono also stopped, according to GSF.

The flotilla released footage showing the ship Yulara being hit by Israeli water cannons during its interception and boarding by Israeli forces.

Sharing a video of the alleged Israeli raid at sea, the Global Sumud Flotilla stated that all communication with the boat had been cut off and that the 'status of the participants and crew remains unconfirmed'.

The Australian government expresses 'deep concern' for the safety of its citizens on board the Gaza flotilla, with the expectation that the boats may be intercepted by Israeli forces. Australian Foreign Affairs Department officials report that they have been in contact with the six Australians on board the flotilla, which consists of 41 boats. Government officials have made representations to the Israeli government in concern that Australian citizens will be arrested by the Israel Defence Forces. "We are deeply concerned about the alleged drone attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla and the security risks to Australians and other passengers on board," said Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Matt Thistlewaite. 'Australia appeals to all parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law, and to refrain from illegal or violent acts against the flotilla,' he added. "We stand ready to offer consular assistance to any Australian citizen who requests it." The Australian government has also made representations to nations including Spain, Italy and Greece to maintain support for their fellow citizens on board.

There are currently 19 boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla that are intercepted by the Israeli navy. This is what emerges from the Flotilla's website, which gives the routes in real time. Among the ships that have been intercepted there is also the 'Morgana', on which, according to the activists, the M5s senator Marco Croatti and the Avs MEP Benedetta Scuderi were travelling. There are 22 Italians on board the intercepted ships. Of the 44 boats in the mission, 23 are still sailing towards the Gaza Strip, while two seem to have changed course heading north, apparently towards Cyprus.