Urgent call issued by the Progressive International against Israel’s illegal abduction and treatment of the Global Sumud Flotilla activists

People across the world are putting their bodies on the line to break the blockade on Gaza — among them, the Progressive International’s co-General Coordinator, David Adler, who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla in its mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians under siege.

On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, Israeli forces abducted the entire crew of the flotilla in international waters. Reports show Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, at Ktzi’ot Prison, threatening the illegally detained activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla, and promising to treat them as terrorists. Some of those already deported from the Zionist prison have issued credible reports of violence, humiliation and torture during their illegal imprisonment. David Adler remains in detention amongst many others, and we are deeply concerned for his safety.

Israel’s violent interception of a humanitarian mission is yet another illustration of its impunity — the same impunity that allows the siege of Gaza to grind on, day after day, as hunger, disease, and displacement ravage an already devastated population. It is Israel’s blockade that is brazenly illegal, not our attempt to break it.

Through the course of Israel’s two-year genocide, 562 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, and nearly 250 journalists, more than in any other conflict in modern times. The situation in Gaza worsens by the day. As Israel blocks aid and attacks those who seek to deliver it, states, politicians, trade unions and citizens of conscience must act.

As of today, another flotilla has already set sail, the Thousand Madleens to Gaza, following in the Sumud’s trail. This is our shared responsibility — in our cities, factories, and parliaments — to break the siege and stand with those in Gaza denied the basic means to life, and those who risk everything for justice and peace.

Governments must now follow suit: pressure Israel to immediately release the abducted members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including David Adler, and move from rhetoric to action — escalating every available measure to end the siege of Gaza once and for all.

4 OCTOBER 2025

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