Above photo: Firefighters try to extinguish the blaze on board the Conscience.
145 Participants in International Waters Were En Route to Gaza.
Adalah condemns Israel’s assault and unlawful interception of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s flagship vessel, the Conscience, and eight sailboats of the Thousands Madleens — a coordinated humanitarian initiative sailing together to confront Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza amid the ongoing genocide against Palestinians.
Before losing all communication early this morning, participants aboard the Conscience — primarily doctors, nurses, and journalists — reported being attacked by an Israeli military helicopter, while Israeli naval forces simultaneously intercepted and boarded the Thousands Madleens sailboats. The vessels were located approximately 120 nautical miles from Gaza, deep in international waters, when the attack took place. According to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the military is transporting participants to an Israeli port.
The ‘Conscience’ volunteers have been attacked and likely abducted by Israeli forces while in international waters on their way to open a sea corridor to Gaza. These are some of the volunteers from Türkiye.
The flotilla was sailing in accordance with international law, outside… pic.twitter.com/TCCqnJWimE
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@Globalsumudf) October 8, 2025
This new mission, which set sail with around 145 participants from around the world, sought to challenge Israel’s illegal and deadly siege of Gaza.
Israel’s assault on unarmed civilians at sea and its seizure of humanitarian vessels constitute a grave breach of international law and highlight the impunity with which Israel continues to act.
Adalah wrote to Israeli authorities to inform them that it will represent all flotilla participants and has demanded immediate access to them upon their arrival in Israel. Adalah will challenge the unlawful detention and the confiscation of the ships and aid.
The Israeli military has attacked our flotilla. We call on all our governments and people of the world to condemn Israel’s crimes against humanity, and to demand the immediate release of all abducted crew. Our governments must end Israel’s illegal blockade and ongoing genocide of Gaza.
🚨 Take action NOW:
•Tag, email, and call your Ministry of Foreign Affairs and elected officials
• Join or organise a protest in your city
• Boycott Israeli products and companies
• Pressure your government to enforce an arms embargo and diplomatic sanctions on Israel
• Pressure institutions and your work place to divest from and sanction Israel
• Use the ‘RISEFOR’ campaign to pressure your government in 2 minutes
• Donate or join the next wave of flotilla – we will not stop until Palestine is free. Share this call widely on social media and with your network
