Chicago – April 30, 2026
Israel’s navy intercepted boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Crete on Thursday and detained about 175 activists from more than 20 vessels, according to the Israeli foreign ministry. The flotilla, which had set out with 58 boats carrying activists and aid, said its communications were jammed and several vessels were boarded and disabled during the operation.
Organizers described the interception as an illegal raid on a humanitarian mission, saying the convoy was trying to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver aid. Israeli officials said the passengers were being taken to Israel “peacefully” and portrayed the flotilla as a provocative stunt rather than a relief effort.
The incident comes amid ongoing international criticism of the Gaza blockade and repeated attempts by activist groups to reach the territory by sea. It also follows earlier flotilla confrontations in which Israeli forces stopped similar missions and detained activists before later deporting them.
