Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea, detaining activists and diverting vessels to the Greek island of Crete in a move critics say highlights the ongoing impact of Israel’s blockade on the territory.
The ships, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, where shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies have drawn increasing international concern. The flotilla, made up of dozens of vessels, saw around 22 boats intercepted by Israeli forces, while others continued or diverted, and aimed to challenge what activists describe as an “illegal blockade.”
Israeli authorities said the interception was necessary to enforce naval restrictions intended to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas. However, organizers and human rights groups condemned the operation, accusing Israeli forces of boarding civilian vessels in international waters and detaining around 170 activists.
Some detainees were taken to Crete, while others remained in custody, according to organizers. The incident has sparked renewed criticism from international observers, who argue that intercepting aid shipments worsens humanitarian conditions in Gaza and raises questions about the legality of such actions. The blockade of Gaza, in place for years, remains a deeply contested issue, with growing calls for greater humanitarian access to the territory.
