Israeli Forces Board Gaza-Bound Flotilla West of Cyprus

Pro-Palestinian activists say Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla of more than 50 boats carrying aid for Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus. The Global Sumud Flotilla said on Tuesday that its fleet was boarded about 250 nautical miles from Gaza. Live video showed commandos climbing onto boats as passengers raised their hands.

The group said Israeli forces had intercepted 41 boats over the previous 22 hours. Another 10 boats remained headed toward Gaza and were 121 nautical miles from the coastline. Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete. In that incident, 181 activists were detained, and all but two were released the next day.

Netanyahu said the raid was neutralizing a plan to break the isolation imposed on Hamas in Gaza. Israel's foreign ministry said it would not allow any breach of its blockade of Gaza. The ministry described the flotilla as a provocation and said its purpose was to serve Hamas and obstruct progress on President Trump's peace plan.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said the activists were carrying food, baby formula, and medical aid. The UN said last week that many displaced families in Gaza were still forced to shelter in overcrowded tents or severely damaged structures. The UN also said humanitarian operations continued to be undermined by restrictions on the import of spare parts, generators, fuel, and engine oil.