Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla Near Crete
Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla near Crete, detaining 175 activists and seizing over 20 vessels.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Crete, detaining approximately 175 activists and seizing over 20 vessels. The flotilla, comprising 58 boats, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel's naval blockade.
According to the flotilla's organizers, Israeli military speedboats approached their vessels, ordering participants to the front of the boats and to get on their hands and knees. The activists also reported that their communications were jammed during the interception.
Israel's Foreign Ministry stated that the intercepted vessels and activists were en route to Israel on Israeli ships. The ministry released a video showing some of the activists aboard Israeli vessels, adding that "approximately 175 activists from more than 20 boats... are now making their way peacefully to Israel."
The flotilla departed from Barcelona on April 12, 2026, with the goal of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and protesting the Israeli blockade. Israeli officials have denounced the flotilla as a publicity stunt, asserting that sufficient aid is entering Gaza through established channels.
The interception occurred approximately 600 nautical miles from Gaza's coast, significantly farther than previous interceptions. An anonymous Israeli military source stated that the mission's "aim was to surprise the flotilla by striking so far from Gaza."
The activists claimed that they faced a "violent raid in international waters," during which Israeli forces "systematically disabled various boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla." They alleged that after damaging engines and navigation systems, the military left hundreds of civilians stranded on powerless vessels in the path of an approaching storm.
Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power in 2007. Israel maintains that the blockade is necessary to limit Hamas's ability to smuggle in arms, while critics argue that it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza's approximately 2 million residents.