In a significant development on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic vowed to provide support to a Serbian citizen detained by Israeli authorities during an attack on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. The flotilla, a convoy of vessels carrying humanitarian activists, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces, leading to the detention of hundreds of individuals, including Serbian activist Ognjen Markovic. This incident has drawn international attention, with Serbia and Bulgaria both engaging diplomatically to address the detention of their citizens and to call for adherence to international law.
Speaking ahead of the European Political Community meeting, President Vucic emphasized Serbia’s commitment to supporting its citizens in times of crisis. “As for the fight for our people, that is our obligation,” Vucic declared. He acknowledged that individuals often turn to the state for assistance when they find themselves in dire situations, adding, “Today, in the end, when they are unable to save themselves, they call on the state for help. The state is, of course, always there to help and will always do everything it can.” His remarks underscored Serbia’s resolve to protect its nationals, even in complex international incidents such as this one.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, was attacked by Israeli naval forces starting late Wednesday. According to the official flotilla tracker, 21 vessels were targeted, and at least 317 activists on board were detained. Among those detained was Ognjen Markovic, a Serbian activist whose participation in the flotilla has prompted Serbia to engage directly with Israeli authorities to secure his release and ensure his safety. The flotilla’s mission was to challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza, which has severely restricted the flow of essential goods, including food and medicine, into the territory.
Bulgaria, too, has been drawn into the situation due to the detention of one of its citizens, Vasil Dimitrov, who was also aboard the flotilla. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov addressed the issue, stating, “We have contacted the Israeli authorities. We have informed them that there is a Bulgarian citizen. We have called on them to comply with the norms of international law.” Zhelyazkov noted that Bulgaria is awaiting further information and that a Bulgarian consul would visit Dimitrov to provide assistance. This diplomatic outreach reflects growing international concern over the treatment of the detained activists and the broader implications of Israel’s actions against the flotilla.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that “several boats” from the flotilla had been detained and that the passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port. However, the ministry provided limited details about the operation or the status of those detained. The attack on the flotilla has reignited debates about Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for nearly 18 years and affects the lives of approximately 2.4 million people in the territory. The blockade, which Israel justifies as a security measure, has been widely criticized by human rights organizations and the United Nations for exacerbating humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Since March, Israel has further tightened its restrictions, closing key border crossings and blocking deliveries of food and medical supplies. These actions have pushed Gaza into a state of famine, with starvation and disease spreading rapidly among the population. The blockade and the ongoing conflict have created dire conditions, with the United Nations and various rights groups warning that Gaza is becoming uninhabitable. The Israeli military’s actions since October 2023 have resulted in the deaths of over 66,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, according to official reports. These figures have intensified global calls for an end to the violence and for urgent humanitarian intervention.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for steadfastness, was organized to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and to deliver much-needed aid. The flotilla’s interception by Israeli forces is not an isolated incident; similar efforts to break the blockade have been met with military responses in the past. The detention of activists, including citizens of Serbia and Bulgaria, has added a diplomatic dimension to the crisis, with both nations now advocating for their citizens’ rights and pressing Israel to adhere to international legal standards.
President Vucic’s pledge to assist the detained Serbian activist highlights the broader role of national governments in protecting their citizens abroad, particularly in politically charged situations. Serbia’s engagement with Israel on this matter reflects a balancing act, as the country seeks to uphold its obligations to its citizens while navigating complex international relations. Similarly, Bulgaria’s call for compliance with international law signals a broader expectation that Israel must respect the rights of foreign nationals caught up in the conflict.
The situation in Gaza remains a focal point of global concern. The blockade, combined with ongoing military operations, has led to widespread suffering, with reports of malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and a collapsing healthcare system. The United Nations has repeatedly called for an end to the blockade and for unrestricted access to humanitarian aid. Rights groups have also condemned the collective punishment of Gaza’s population, arguing that the blockade violates international humanitarian law.
The attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla has further highlighted the challenges faced by activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The detention of 317 individuals, including citizens of multiple countries, has raised questions about the treatment of those in custody and the legal basis for their detention. As Serbia and Bulgaria work to secure the release of their citizens, the international community is likely to face increased pressure to address the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the policies that sustain it.
For Serbia, the incident underscores the importance of state intervention in protecting its citizens abroad, particularly in situations involving conflict or political tension. President Vucic’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that Serbian nationals are supported, regardless of the circumstances. Bulgaria’s response, meanwhile, emphasizes the need for diplomatic solutions and adherence to international norms, even in the face of complex geopolitical dynamics.
As the situation develops, the international community will be closely watching how Israel responds to the detention of foreign nationals and whether diplomatic efforts by Serbia, Bulgaria, and potentially other nations will lead to the release of those detained. The incident also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions of people continue to live under blockade and face daily struggles for survival. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s mission, though disrupted, has succeeded in drawing renewed attention to these issues, prompting calls for action from governments, organizations, and individuals around the world.
