Israeli navy intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters

The Israeli navy began intercepting vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters late Wednesday as the aid convoy attempted to reach Gaza and break the longstanding maritime blockade on the enclave.

Ships approached, communications jammed

Activists aboard the flotilla reported that warships and frigates were approaching their vessels while satellite and radio communications were being jammed. Drones were also observed flying overhead. In a social media post, the flotilla said: “The flotilla is under attack: Bianca ship (Italy) is being approached, and most boats are experiencing jamming.” Israeli Army Radio confirmed that naval forces had begun taking control of the vessels far from Israel’s coast, adding that seven of the 58 ships near the Greek island of Crete had already been seized.

Farthest interception yet

Israeli army sources told public broadcaster KAN that this marks the farthest operation ever carried out by the navy against flotillas attempting to breach the Gaza blockade, with forces operating hundreds of kilometers from Israel’s coast near Crete. The flotilla — carrying humanitarian aid and including around 100 boats with nearly 1,000 activists from multiple countries — aims to open a maritime corridor to Gaza. Israel has maintained a blockade on the Strip since 2007, leaving approximately 1.5 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million people homeless after their homes were destroyed during the war.