Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla Near Crete, Detains 175 Activists

Israeli forces have intercepted a large Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters near Crete, detaining around 175 activists in a pre-dawn naval operation that has intensified diplomatic tensions and renewed scrutiny of the Gaza blockade.

The flotilla, organised by the Global Sumud Flotilla , set sail from Barcelona earlier this month with more than 70 vessels and about 1,000 participants aiming to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s maritime restrictions on Gaza .

According to organisers and tracking data, about 22 vessels were intercepted overnight , while roughly 30 to 36 boats continued sailing eastward , leaving the mission partially intact.

Activists said Israeli naval forces used speedboats, drones, laser systems and radio jamming before boarding ships hundreds of miles from Gaza. Some reported loss of communication and warning broadcasts instructing compliance, describing the raid as unlawful and unprecedented .

Israel defended the operation, saying the flotilla was stopped before entering Israeli-controlled waters and that aid should be routed through official inspection points such as Ashdod port. Officials also alleged the presence of prohibited materials, a claim denied by organisers.

The incident has drawn strong international reaction. Turkey called the interception an “act of piracy” , while governments including Australia sought access to detained nationals, with at least six Australians reported among those held.

The flotilla aimed to refocus global attention on Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis, where nearly two million people face shortages despite a fragile ceasefire in place . The conflict, triggered by the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians since the war began , according to Gaza authorities.