The Israeli navy intercepted the fleet in international waters, directing it to the port of Ashdod. Six ships were seized, and several activists, including six Tunisians, were arrested.
In protest against what they described as an Israeli overreach, demonstrators took to the streets of Tunis on Wednesday night, October 1, condemning the detention of the fleet and its crew, who were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid directly to Gaza.
Protesters called on the Tunisian authorities to denounce the arrest of the six Tunisians and urged citizens to support the fleet, which carries a peaceful humanitarian message in solidarity with the oppressed.
The Global Resilience Fleet is an international maritime initiative launched in mid-2025 to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid directly to its residents.
The fleet comprises over 44 civilian vessels, some small, carrying activists and aid, with around 500 participants from more than 40 countries, including parliamentarians, lawyers, doctors, and human rights activists.