95bFM Israeli military intercept the Freedom Flotilla with concerns 18-year-old New Zealander has been kidnapped
2 October, 2025
Interview by Caeden Tipler, adapted by Sara Mckoy
On-the-ground spokesperson for the Global Movement to Gaza, Acacia O’Connor, explains the unfolding of the situation with the Freedom Flotilla, as activists try to deliver food and medicine to Gaza.
The Global Samud Flotilla coordinated by the Global Movement to Gaza has been intercepted by Israeli forces, with dozens of activists arrested, including 18-year-old New Zealander Samuel Leason.
Two other New Zealanders were on board and have been confirmed to have been taken by the Israeli Military: Youssef Sammour and Rana Hamida.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says they are aware of the situation, and had contacted the Israeli Ministry of Affairs “on the provision of consular services to New Zealanders on board the flotilla, and our expectations in that regard, should that be requested by any of the participants”.
The Ministry has added that “The safety of New Zealanders is paramount”.
Because of these recent events, snap action occurred at Te Komititanga from 3pm today to protest what happened.
Actor and on-the-ground spokesperson for the Global Movement to Gaza, Acacia O’Connor, told 95bFM’s International Desk that the kidnapping of activists on the flotilla is “absolutely appalling”.
“They are doing everything they can to bring food and aid to people who are being starved in Gaza right now…
“Our humanitarian mission hasn't broken any international law.”
As the situation is ongoing, O’Connor says that the public can support the activists by “making noise”.
“We just need to be doing everything we can to [call on] the Government, and mobilise…
“Keep making noise and keep demanding that our governments follow international law.”
There is a livestream on YouTube following the Global Samud Flotilla and active updates available on the Flotilla Tracker website.
As Gaza nears the two-year mark of the ongoing genocide, O’Connor asserts that the global community have a responsibility to act.
“There are kilometres of aid trucks that are trying to get in to feed the people of Gaza. Israel's not letting [them] in and people are starving to death…
“Everybody who's involved with the flotilla is doing it because we need to protect our humanity and we need to protect the world that we want to live in.”
