Lisbon, Oct. 2, 2025 (Lusa) - The organisation of the humanitarian flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip confirmed on Thursday that Israel had detained Portuguese activist Miguel Duarte after intercepting the vessel on which he was travelling.
The Sumud Global Flotilla said at 05:12 (Lisbon time) that "Israeli naval forces illegally intercepted and boarded the ship Morgana", on board which Miguel Duarte was travelling.
"Live broadcasts and communications have been cut off. The condition of the participants and crew remains unconfirmed," the organisation warned on the Telegram messaging platform.
"This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarian workers. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their immediate safety and release," added the Sumud Global Flotilla.
Less than four hours earlier, at 01:35 today, the Palestine in Portuguese profile on the social network Instagram had posted a short video of Miguel Duarte.
"If you are watching this video, it is because I have been illegally captured by Israeli forces and taken to Israel against my will," said the activist.
At least 13 vessels included in the flotilla were intercepted by the Israeli Navy and one of them was rammed in international waters, the Sumud Global Flotilla said today.
The leader of the Left Bloc Party, Mariana Mortágua, and Portuguese actress Sofia Aparício were also detained by Israel after the vessel they were travelling on was intercepted, Left Bloc member Joana Mortágua told Lusa.
Before being detained, in a video released at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Miguel Duarte pointed out that there were many Israeli boats in the vicinity "firing water cannons" and performing "dangerous manoeuvres" near the ships.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian government said in a statement that there are several Brazilians among the activists detained by Israel during the interception of the ships that make up the flotilla.
The ministry of foreign affairs confirmed that among those detained is Luizianne Lins, an MP of the Workers' Party, led by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Brazilian government said it is monitoring Israel's interception of the flotilla's vessels "with concern".
"Brazil recalls the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters and emphasises the peaceful nature of the flotilla," said Brazilian diplomats.
Despite the interceptions, the organisation assured in a message released at 01:20 that 30 vessels in the flotilla were still heading towards Gaza and were 46 nautical miles (85 kilometres) from the coast of the Palestinian enclave.
Earlier, the Israeli ministry of foreign affairs had reported that several ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla had been "detained without incident" and that passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port.
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