Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla Near Crete, Detains 175 Activists for Transfer to Greece

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.

Israel accused the flotilla of being organized by Hamas in cooperation with other groups, aiming to sabotage President Trump's Gaza peace plan and divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm. Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power in 2007, which Israel says prevents arms imports, while critics describe it as collective punishment.

The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, has resulted in over 72,600 deaths in Gaza according to the territory's health ministry. A UN official reported this week that Gaza's 2.1 million residents face ongoing strikes and dire humanitarian conditions, with food security challenges and essential services near collapse.

This marks the second interception of a Global Sumud Flotilla in less than a year. In October 2025, Israel stopped about 40 boats, arresting over 450 activists including Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan, who were later deported. Witnesses reported harsh conditions during detention.

French nationals include Paris Communist municipal councillor Raphaelle Primet and 10 others, according to Helene Coron of Global Sumud France. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated all participants were removed unharmed and would be transferred to Greece in coordination with Greek authorities.

The Israeli body Cogat stated there is no limit on aid entering Gaza through established channels and invited the flotilla to use the port of Ashdod. Flotilla participant Tariq Ra'ouf, a Palestinian-American writer, described high spirits among remaining vessels and shock at Israel's actions.