Israeli navy preparing to intercept Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, media reports

The Israeli navy is preparing within hours to intercept and seize boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is seeking to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea, according to Israeli media reports. The Israeli newspaper Maariv, citing an unnamed source, reported Monday that the navy is preparing to stop the flotilla's boats, which departed from Türkiye and are heading toward Gaza.

Interception plans

The source said the navy would intercept the boats in international waters before they reach Palestinian territorial waters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold a security meeting later Monday to approve the seizure of the flotilla, according to Israeli public broadcaster KAN.

Flotilla movement

Early Monday, the flotilla said it detected "suspicious" movements by unidentified ships and boats near its vessels shortly after announcing that it had entered international waters. The flotilla, made up of 54 boats, sailed Thursday from the Turkish Mediterranean city of Marmaris in a renewed attempt to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007.

Previous incidents

Israeli forces previously intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla in April, detaining more than 170 activists, including 20 Turkish nationals. Activists reported being subjected to sexual violence, beatings, and inhumane treatment during detention.