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4d ago

Israel Seizes Global Sumud Flotilla in International Waters Near Crete

The far‑off interception intensified diplomatic pressure over the Gaza blockade’s legality.

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)
Image
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)
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 forces intercepted 22 vessels near Crete early Thursday, detaining about 175 people according to Israel, while flotilla organisers reported up to 211 taken into custody.
  • The Israeli Navy broadcast recorded warnings that trying to breach Gaza’s naval blockade violates international law and said boats could divert to the Port of Ashdod for inspection.
  • Organisers said commandos pointed lasers and rifles, damaged engines, and jammed communications, and the Greek coast guard said it answered a distress call before being told no help was needed.
  • Italy and Turkey condemned the seizures, Australia readied consular support for its nationals, and Israel cast the voyage as a PR stunt while sharing disputed video it said showed non‑aid cargo.
  • The confrontation revives long‑running disputes over a blockade imposed in 2007 and follows a 2025 flotilla that Israel stopped, after which participants were detained and deported.