By Our Correspondent
National News – Israel has intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters near Crete, detaining about 175 activists, according to officials and organisers.
The operation happened overnight on April 30, 2026, when Israeli naval forces boarded multiple vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The activists, drawn from over 20 boats and several countries, were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip and challenge Israel’s long-standing naval blockade.
Israeli authorities said the interception was necessary to prevent a breach of what they described as a lawful blockade and to avoid escalation.
Organisers of the flotilla condemned the action, describing it as unlawful and accusing Israel of attacking civilian vessels more than 965km from Gaza.
They alleged that boats were disabled, communications jammed, and some passengers left stranded at sea.
However, Israeli officials insisted the mission was carried out peacefully without casualties and claimed initial inspections found questionable materials onboard.
The detained activists are being transported to Israel for further processing.
The flotilla, which set sail two weeks earlier from European countries including Spain, France, and Italy, aimed to draw global attention to worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The region, home to about 2.1 million people, continues to face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies amid the ongoing conflict triggered by the October 2023 attacks by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent military response.
International reaction has been swift. Giorgia Meloni demanded the release of detained Italians, while European Union officials urged respect for international maritime and humanitarian law.
Critics argue the interception raises legal concerns about actions taken in international waters, while Israel maintains its right to enforce the blockade.
The incident underscores growing tensions over aid access to Gaza and highlights the broader geopolitical struggle surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, as calls intensify for a sustainable humanitarian corridor and adherence to international law.
