Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla Near Crete, Detains 175 Activists

Israeli naval forces intercepted 22 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Crete, according to statements from the flotilla organizers and Israel's foreign ministry. The interception occurred overnight on Thursday, more than 965 kilometers from Gaza.

The flotilla, which included vessels departing from ports in Spain, France, and Italy starting April 12, 2026, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the Israeli naval blockade, as stated by the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Israel's foreign ministry reported detaining approximately 175 activists from the flotilla, describing the operation as peaceful with no casualties. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the detained individuals would be disembarked on a Greek beach later that day.

The ministry noted that an initial inspection of the vessels revealed materials appearing to be drugs and contraceptives. The foreign ministry further accused the flotilla organizers of coordinating with Hamas to undermine President Trump's Gaza peace plan and claimed the flotilla attempted to block an Israeli merchant vessel.

According to the Global Sumud Flotilla, Israeli forces boarded and disabled vessels, including smashing an engine and jamming communications, leaving some boats stranded amid an approaching storm. The flotilla reported that over 180 civilians from various countries were affected, with most of the remaining 36 boats positioned near Crete's south coast.

Greece's foreign ministry stated it had no prior consultation with Israel regarding the interception, which occurred outside Greek territorial waters. Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said the Greek coast guard was informed by Israeli counterparts that 17 flotilla vessels were abandoned in international waters, with passengers transferred to Israeli warships and reported to be in good health.

Greece offered to receive the passengers for safe return home and requested Israel withdraw its vessels from the region. Greek authorities do not have the right to intervene in international waters except for search and rescue operations, according to Marinakis.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated in response to the incident that Israel should immediately release all detained Italians, with reports indicating 24 Italians were among those held. Meloni emphasized the need for full respect of international law and guarantees for the physical safety of those on board.

European Union foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni called on Israeli authorities to respect international law, including international humanitarian law and international maritime law.

Palestinian-American activist Tariq Ra'ouf, aboard a support vessel in Greek waters, said, "The spirits on board are high, we are determined to keep doing what we can to support the ending of Israel's illegal siege on Gaza." He added, "I am feeling shocked and dismayed at the impunity of Israel's actions, and how they have managed to break international law repeatedly but most especially this far away from Gaza."

The Israeli defense body Cogat stated that Israel facilitates aid entry into Gaza with no limit on the amount, amid the ongoing naval blockade. UN Assistant Secretary General Khaled Khiari reported that while some improvements in aid access have occurred recently, unpredictable access, limited crossings, and restrictions on dual-use items continue to constrain humanitarian efforts, with essential services like water, sanitation, and health on the brink of collapse.

Experts from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification confirmed a famine in Gaza City last August, with improvements noted after an October ceasefire, reducing catastrophic conditions from 100,000 to a projected 1,900 people by mid-April.

The Gaza conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Israel's military response has resulted in more than 72,600 deaths in Gaza, including 824 since the ceasefire, as reported by Gaza's health ministry.

The vessels' operators have not been publicly identified by the U.S. government, based on available statements. No publicly released evidence has documented claims of the flotilla blocking an Israeli merchant vessel.