Israeli naval forces intercepted 22 vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Crete early Tuesday, detaining 175 activists in what organisers described as the largest humanitarian mission ever bound for Gaza. The operation, confirmed by Israel's Foreign Affairs Ministry, marks the latest escalation in a long-running confrontation over maritime access to the Palestinian territory.
According to the flotilla's tracking system, over 20 ships were seized, while more than 30 others altered course and entered Greek territorial waters to avoid interception. Activists reported that Israeli speedboats and drones approached the vessels, disrupted communications, and forced them to halt. An SOS signal was issued as the situation unfolded.
Tariq Ra'ouf, an activist aboard one of the remaining vessels, told Euronews that most intercepted ships were seized and their crews transferred to Israeli vessels. He claimed some boats were disabled by engine sabotage and left stranded. "The crew was abandoned at sea just before a massive storm was due to arrive," he said.
Legal and Political Reactions
Organisers condemned the interception as unlawful, arguing it occurred in international waters and targeted vessels carrying humanitarian aid. While activists had anticipated some form of intervention, the timing surprised them. "It is surprising how far we are from Gaza," Ra'ouf added.
Israel defended the operation as a security necessity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the mission as "a PR stunt" and "a provocation without humanitarian aid," insisting that all humanitarian activity in Gaza should be coordinated through the Board of Peace and Israel's Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC). Authorities released video footage showing condoms and small bags allegedly containing drugs found on board.
Israeli officials have previously justified such interceptions in international waters, arguing they are entitled to act before vessels reach restricted zones. Similar flotilla attempts were stopped in October 2025, when 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, warning they put participants at risk.
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.
The incident comes amid broader tensions between Israel and European states over maritime and trade issues. Earlier this year, Israel blocked a Russian grain ship over alleged theft of Ukrainian wheat, and Ukraine formally requested Israel to seize a vessel carrying allegedly stolen grain. The EU has also warned Israel it may sanction those involved in the stolen Ukrainian grain trade, exposing deeper foreign policy rifts within the bloc.
As the detained activists are transferred to Israel, European governments face mounting pressure to balance diplomatic relations with Israel against the protection of their citizens' rights and adherence to international law.
