As the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) transits international waters towards Gaza comprising 52 civilian and internationally flagged vessels the World's attention is on the forthcoming actions by Israeli Forces.
Friday 26 September 2025 1920 BST
As reported in The Jerusalem Post (25 September 25) the Israeli Shayetet 13 unit is preparing to intercept, board and take-over the vessels.
It is variously suggested that activists will be arrested, deported and vessels potentially sunk.
Shayetet 13
According to open-source materials, within the Israeli Navy, Shayetet 13 is a special unit of naval commandos also known as Flottila 13, S13, or 'Bats' formed in 1949, shortly after the establishment of the state of Israel.
Its operators, specialists in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue, are often referred to as “silent soldiers.” They train and work alongside the likes of the US Navy SEALS.
Shayetet 13 is recognized as one of the finest special units in the world.
In April 2025, The Times of Israel published an article 'Shayetet 13 commandos publish letter, joining wave of calls for hostage deal' in which 254 signatories issued a statement calling for the release of the remaining hostages, even at the cost of ending the war. According to the letter’s organizers, 69 of the 254 signatories currently serve in active reserve duty within the unit.
International Naval Protection Force
According to BBC reporting, more than 80 UK MPs have written to the government to urge it to protect UK citizens on board from Israeli attacks. It is further reported that most of the 52 vessels are currently near Crete, carrying crews including politicians and Swedish climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Meantime, a Greek naval vessel has joined the flotilla with further naval units from Spain and Italy en-route to escort the flotilla through international waters following drone attacks on the civilian vessels and crews.
Use Of Force
Close attention is going to be on the use of force by the Israeli military against unarmed civilian activists with the world's media now focusing on the unfolding events.
Previous reporting of the use of unidentified drones to attack vessels in the flotilla has raised concern over safety, security and well-being of crew.
Human Rights at Sea has raised the issue in previous reporting 'Are Humanitarian Activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla prepared for Israeli Use of Force?'.
"The State of Israeli will therefore disrupt, intercept, arrest and detain the vessels, passengers and their crews as the concept of a successful blockade breach would be unconscionable for the Israeli military.
In doing so, those military units involved will be authorised to use force under Rules of Engagement (ROE) including up-to-and-including lethal force which may be used in self defence if it is reasonable, necessary and is proportionate to do so.
Notably, proportionality has been mostly absent in this conflict, and it is reasonable to assume that this will not change at sea.
Nonetheless, the use of force and the operational conduct of the Israeli forces against humanitarian volunteers will be closely watched, especially against the context of an international armed conflict where humanitarianism has had no real standing or effect."
ITF Condemnation
The International Transport Workers' Federation has issued a statement in solidarity with ITF and affiliate members on board some of the vessels.
"The ITF stands in unwavering solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla and all those sailing with the sole humanitarian objective of delivering lifesaving aid to Gaza."
"Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary, said: “Any attempt to block, attack, or criminalise the Global Sumud Flotilla is illegal, immoral and indefensible. The ITF stands with those risking their lives, freedom and safety to deliver aid to civilians facing starvation. International law is clear: the people of Gaza must have unimpeded access to humanitarian relief. Governments, institutions, and industry must step up now to ensure that aid is delivered and lives are saved.”
About GSF
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is the largest civilian maritime mission organized to break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza. Coordinated by grassroots organizers, seafarers, doctors, artists, and solidarity activists from over 40 countries, the flotilla is a nonviolent humanitarian mission responding to the ongoing genocide and siege against the Palestinian people.
Background
Following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage, the Israeli military launching a ground campaign in Gaza in response.
At least 65,419 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory's health ministry.
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ENDS.
Source: Human Rights at Sea 2025. Additional open-source reporting reviewed and credited.
Certified Original. AI was not used in the drafting of this article.
Photo Credits: Wikimedia / Flotilla Tracker screenshot, Sumud Flotilla.
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