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2h ago

Israel Seizes Gaza-Bound Flotilla in International Waters Near Crete

The long-range operation intensifies a legal and diplomatic clash over enforcing Gaza’s naval blockade far from the Strip.

Boats carrying activists and humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza reposition in the port during a symbolic send-off as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu Parra)
This grab from black and white CCTV footage shows members on flotilla boat with hands in air as Israeli forces intercepted activists who set sail earlier this month from Barcelona attempting to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza, near the southern Greek island of Crete, early Thursday, April 30, 2026. (Global Sumud Flotilla via AP)
Image
CCTV footage shows crew members of the second flotilla that sailed from the Spanish port of Barcelona, carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, raise their arms as the vessel is said to be intercepted by the Israeli Army, at a location given as at sea off the coast of Greece, April 30, 2026, in this screengrab taken from a handout video. Global Sumud Flotilla/Handout via REUTERS

Overview

  • Israeli naval forces boarded more than 20 Global Sumud boats near Crete overnight Wednesday into Thursday, taking control of the vessels hundreds of miles from Gaza.
  • Israel’s Foreign Ministry said about 175 activists were removed and would be disembarked in Greece, while organizers claimed up to 211 people were kidnapped.
  • Recorded navy warnings urged a diversion to Israel’s port of Ashdod for inspection, as activists reported lasers, rifles, engine damage and jamming during the boarding in international waters.
  • Turkey labeled the seizure piracy, Italy and Spain demanded protections for their nationals, and the U.S. State Department condemned the flotilla as a counterproductive stunt.
  • This raid, described as the furthest from Gaza to date, renews focus on Israel’s blockade in place since 2007 and follows a similar flotilla interception in October 2025 that ended with detentions and deportations.