Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Flotilla in International Waters

Mon Jun 01 2026 08:51:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Over 50 boats carrying aid for Gaza intercepted by Israeli forces west of Cyprus, prompting international condemnation and political debate.

Israeli forces have intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission consisting of over 50 boats heading to Gaza, claiming it was an illegal act amidst ongoing maritime blockades. Activists have condemned the operation, seeking safe passage for their mission. Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the action as necessary to prevent Hamas from benefitting from the assistance.

Pro-Palestinian activists say Israeli forces have intercepted a flotilla of more than 50 boats carrying aid for Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) said its fleet was boarded in what it called another illegal, high-seas aggression about 250 nautical miles (460km) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli maritime blockade. Its video stream showed commandos climbing onto several boats.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the raid was effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete. In that incident, 181 activists on board were detained, all but two of whom were released on the Greek island the next day following widespread international condemnation.

Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Ávila were taken back to Israel for questioning and deported after spending 10 days in custody.

The flotilla's remaining boats then sailed to the Turkish port of Marmaris, where 54 boats departed last Thursday and headed south-east towards Gaza. More than 460 activists from 45 countries were said to be taking part.

Just after 10:30 in Cyprus (07:30 GMT) on Monday, live video broadcast on the GSF's website showed commandos on a raiding craft approaching a sailboat, then boarding it as the passengers raised their hands.

Military vessels are currently intercepting our fleet and [Israeli] forces are boarding the first of our boats in broad daylight, the GSF's organisers said in a statement.

Turkey's foreign ministry condemned the intervention by Israeli forces in international waters... which constitutes a new act of piracy.

The GSF said the activists on board were carrying food, baby formula and medical aid for Palestinians in Gaza, where living conditions are dire. The Israeli foreign ministry described Gaza as flooded with aid, claiming more than 1.5 million tonnes of supplies had entered the territory over the past seven months.