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Israeli naval forces have intercepted 22 ships and arrested 175 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest-ever humanitarian mission bound for Gaza.
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Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the overnight interception, in international waters near Crete, adding that drugs had been found on board.
Over 20 vessels have been intercepted so far, according to the mission’s tracker, while more than 30 are still navigating and have entered Greek territorial waters to avoid interception. Activists detained in the operation are from several countries, with many Italians and Spaniards among them.
Those on board said Israeli forces used speedboats and drones to approach the vessels, disrupting communications and forcing them to halt. An SOS signal was issued as the situation unfolded.
Most of the intercepted vessels have been seized, with their crews detained and transferred onto Israeli ships, according to Tariq Ra’ouf, an activist aboard one of the vessels still at sea, who spoke to Euronews.
He claimed that some vessels were instead disabled by engine sabotage and left stranded. “The crew was abandoned at sea just before a massive storm was due to arrive,” he said.
Organisers of the mission described the interception as unlawful, arguing that it took place in international waters and targeted vessels carrying humanitarian aid. While activists had anticipated some form of intervention, the timing came as a surprise. “It is surprising how far we are from Gaza,” Ra’ouf added.
Israel has defended the operation as necessary for security reasons.
Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that the mission is “a PR stunt” and “a provocation without humanitarian aid”, saying that all the humanitarian activity in Gaza should be managed by the Board of Peace and Israel’s Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC).
Authorities said around 175 activists detained from the boats are being transferred to Israel. They also released video footage showing condoms and small bags allegedly containing drugs, which they said were found on board.
Israeli officials have previously defended such interceptions in international waters, arguing they are entitled to act before vessels reach restricted zones.
Similar flotilla attempts have been stopped in the past. In October 2025, dozens of vessels were seized and hundreds of activists detained, triggering widespread protests across Europe.
The European Commission said freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld, urging Israel to respect international humanitarian and maritime law.
However, the Commission’s spokesperson stopped short of condemning the interception or explicitly calling it a breach of international law – a cautious line that underscores the EU’s reluctance to directly confront Israel over the operation. The Commission has previously discouraged such flotilla missions as a form of humanitarian aid, warning they put participants at risk.
Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed Italy’s embassies in Tel Aviv and Athens to seek clarification from Israeli and Greek authorities and to ensure the protection of Italian citizens on board.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said she had spoken with her Israeli counterpart to stress that the rights of detained Swedish citizens must be respected, while acknowledging the government’s limited ability to assist them.
“If you, as a Swede, choose to participate in the flotilla, you are taking a conscious risk,” she said.
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