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Poles and Norwegians Detained by Israeli Military. Authorities Clarify Their Future
The flotilla crew included, among others, KO MP Franciszek Sterczewski. Fot. Global Sumud Flotilla
During the night of October 1st to 2nd, Israeli naval forces seized vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was heading towards the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid. All Poles participating in the mission were detained—including MP Franciszek Sterczewski. Boats carrying seven Norwegians were also intercepted.
Initial reports indicate that Israeli warships stopped several flotilla vessels and forcibly took control of them, using water cannons on some boats. No passengers were injured, and those from the ships are being transported to Israeli ports.
Israel emphasizes that the flotilla, attempting to approach Gaza, violated its approved naval blockade. The mission organizers, on the other hand, claim that the interceptions also took place in international waters, raising legal questions.
Israel emphasizes that the flotilla, attempting to approach Gaza, violated its approved naval blockade. The mission organizers, on the other hand, claim that the interceptions also took place in international waters, raising legal questions.
Polish MP on Board the Ship
The Polish delegation included, among others, MP Franciszek Sterczewski and leaders of Polish organizations involved in the mission—Omar Faris and Nina Ptak—as well as activist and journalist Ewa Jasiewicz. Rafał Piotrowski, spokesperson for Global Movement To Gaza Poland, told Polish Radio that the last team member was reached by phone during the night.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that it is monitoring the situation, staying in contact with Israeli institutions, and is ready to provide consular assistance. Ministry statements highlight the need to act "within the law and the realities of wartime operations."
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that it is monitoring the situation, staying in contact with Israeli institutions, and is ready to provide consular assistance. Ministry statements highlight the need to act "within the law and the realities of wartime operations."
Footage of Israeli Navy vessels while interception global sumud flotilla boats pic.twitter.com/7DnEX8tDo4
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) October 2, 2025
Israel Detained Norwegians
At the same time, Norwegians were among the mission participants. According to media reports, the convoy consisted of about 45 boats, with seven Norwegians on board. Norwegian Eline Frøysa Norli reported that the vessels were surrounded by a war fleet and communication signals began to be jammed.
At least four ships were boarded, and several Norwegians were detained and transported to Israeli ports. Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is monitoring the situation and is working to provide consular assistance to its citizens.
At least four ships were boarded, and several Norwegians were detained and transported to Israeli ports. Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is monitoring the situation and is working to provide consular assistance to its citizens.
Monitorujemy sytuację związaną z zatrzymaniem statków GSF. Wśród nich jednostki z polskimi obywatelami – według naszych informacji są oni bezpieczni i nikt nie ucierpiał.
— Rzecznik MSZ (@RzecznikMSZ) October 2, 2025
Konsul RP jest już w Aszdod, dokąd przewożeni są zatrzymani.
Żaden polski obywatel nie pozostanie bez opieki!
According to information provided by the Israeli side, the detained Europeans are to be transported from the Middle East to Europe. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the convoy participants will undergo administrative procedures related to deportation from the country. The Polish embassy in Israel reported that the Polish consul is present in Ashdod, where the detainees are being taken, and will provide them with consular assistance.
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