Flotilla Participants Expected To Arrive In Ashdod Soon

Jerusalem, 2 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli authorities estimate that the individuals travelling on the Sumoud flotilla will arrive at Ashdod port in Israel at around 2 p.m. Israel time (UTC+02:00)

As announced by the IDF, approximately forty of the boats are under the control of israeli forces; however, a few others are reportedly experiencing technical problems that are preventing them from docking.

A short while ago, the Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement which reads: ‘The passengers on the Sumoud-Hamas flotilla are travelling safely and peacefully to Israel. They are safe and in good condition.’

Those arrested are expected to be deported, but this cannot happen before 18:59, when Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, ends. Everything in Israel comes to a standstill during Yom Kippur, including Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, which closes for 24 hours.

According to an assesment made this morning by Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, the passengers will remain in Ashdod for ‘a couple of days’ until the deportation procedures are completed. Tajani briefed the Italian parliament on his ongoing coordination with Israeli authorities.

The flotilla was intercepted uneventfully last night when, despite warnings and pleas from Israel and other countries, it illegally entered an active war zone.