Israeli National Security Minister and far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir met on October 2 in Ashdod with crew members of the "Global Sumud Flotilla," who had been detained by Israeli forces. He called the activists, who sought to break Israel's blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, "terrorists" and "supporters of the killers."

As of October 3, all 42 ships of the "Global Sumud Flotilla" delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza had been intercepted by Israeli forces. More than 400 participants were initially taken to Israel's southern Ketziot Prison before being gradually deported.