Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla Near Crete, Detains 175 Activists

Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters near the Greek island of Crete on Thursday, detaining approximately 175 activists from 22 vessels. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Italy on Sunday with about 58 boats and participants from 70 countries, aimed to break Israel's maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Israel announced that the detained activists would be transferred to Greece for disembarkation. The interception took place overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, roughly 1,000 kilometers from Gaza. Flotilla organizers reported that Israeli forces boarded the boats, damaged engines and navigation systems, and jammed communications, leaving some vessels stranded ahead of an approaching storm.

Israel's foreign ministry stated the operation was conducted peacefully with no casualties and that an initial inspection found materials appearing to be drugs and contraceptives on board.

Turkey's foreign ministry condemned the interception as an act of piracy, stating it violated humanitarian principles and international law. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for the immediate release of detained Italian nationals and full respect for international law, with reports indicating 24 Italians were among those held.

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, questioned how Israel could seize vessels in international waters near Greece. Greece's foreign ministry urged restraint and respect for international law, noting it had asked Israel to withdraw its vessels and offered to receive the passengers for safe return.

Greek officials confirmed the interception occurred outside territorial waters and that they were coordinating the disembarkation. Organizers stated their goals included challenging Israel's blockade, opening a permanent humanitarian corridor, and pressuring governments and corporations involved in its enforcement.