NZ Teen Aboard Intercepted Gaza Aid Flotilla: ‘I have been Kidnapped’
By: Lions Roar Staff Reporter October 2, 2025
AUCKLAND — An 18-year-old New Zealander participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, has been detained by the Israeli military after naval forces intercepted several vessels in international waters.
Samuel Leason, from Ōtaki, is believed to be the youngest participant in the large civilian aid convoy. He released a pre-recorded video statement on social media shortly after communication with the fleet was lost, dramatically claiming he had been “kidnapped by the IDF and taken to Israel against my will.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which reportedly involved up to 70 vessels and 500 activists including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, was intercepted approximately 130 kilometres off the coast of Gaza late on Wednesday night. Activist groups confirmed that several boats, including vessels named Alma and Sirius, were boarded by Israeli naval commandos.
Conflicting Accounts of the Interception
In the video, Leason urged the New Zealand government to “end this complicity with Israel, and to bring me home,” highlighting the risks he and other activists were taking to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of the territory.
In contrast, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the vessels had been “safely stopped” and the passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port. The ministry described the mission as a “PR stunt” and a “provocation,” and reiterated that the humanitarian aid could be transferred through existing channels, such as Israel’s port of Ashdod. The Ministry also confirmed that all passengers were “safe and healthy.”
Other Kiwis Detained
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has confirmed it is aware of the situation and has been contacted by the family of at least one New Zealander. It is understood that two other Kiwis, New Zealand Palestinian Youssef Sammour and Palestinian-Syrian refugee Rana Hamida, were also part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Their current status, alongside Leason, is believed to be in detention in Israel awaiting processing and potential deportation.
Prior to the interception, the flotilla had reported facing multiple drone attacks in the Mediterranean, with Leason claiming nine boats had been targeted with “flammable liquid” in an effort to slow and deter the mission.
MFAT has a long-standing “do not travel” advisory for Gaza, explicitly warning New Zealanders against attempting to enter the territory by sea in breach of Israeli restrictions, including participation in aid flotillas. However, the ministry stated it has communicated directly with Israel, emphasizing its expectation that all New Zealand citizens be treated in a manner consistent with international law.
The fate of the detained activists now hinges on Israeli authorities, with reports suggesting they could face deportation within 72 hours.
