Ask Onix
Flotilla intercepted in international waters
Israeli forces intercepted at least 22 boats from a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla in international waters near Crete early Thursday, detaining approximately 175 activists, organizers reported. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) condemned the operation as "piracy," stating the seizure occurred over 965 km from Gaza, which remains under an Israeli naval blockade.
Organizers accuse Israel of violent raid
GSF tracking data showed most of the remaining 36 vessels in the 58-boat flotilla were near Crete's southern coast after setting sail two weeks ago from Spain, France, and Italy. The group claimed Israeli forces "intercepted, boarded, and systematically disabled" boats during an overnight raid, leaving some vessels powerless amid an approaching storm.
"Over 180 civilians from around the world have been directly attacked. After detaining participants, smashing an engine, and jamming communications, Israeli forces retreated, kidnapping some and stranding others on broken vessels."
Global Sumud Flotilla statement
Israel defends operation as lawful
The Israeli foreign ministry dismissed the flotilla as a "PR stunt," asserting the operation complied with international law to prevent a blockade breach. It reported no casualties and claimed an inspection uncovered "materials that appear to be drugs and contraceptives."
The ministry also alleged the flotilla's organizers collaborated with Hamas to undermine a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, accusing them of diverting attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm.
International reactions and demands
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the seizure, demanding the immediate release of 24 detained Italians and calling for "full respect of international law." The European Union echoed this, urging Israel to adhere to maritime and humanitarian laws.
Greece's government remained silent, though opposition politician Dimitris Mantzos pressed for clarity on the incident, labeling it an "illegal act."
"I am shocked by Israel's impunity. They break international law repeatedly, even this far from Gaza."
Tariq Ra'ouf, Palestinian-American activist on board a support vessel
Flotilla's goals and Gaza's humanitarian crisis
The GSF aimed to challenge Israel's blockade, establish a permanent humanitarian corridor, and pressure governments complicit in its enforcement. Israel's Cogat, which oversees Gaza's land crossings, countered that aid entry is unrestricted, with no limits on supplies.
A UN official warned this week of Gaza's deteriorating conditions, citing unpredictable access, restricted "dual-use" items, and collapsing essential services. While food security has improved since an October ceasefire, 100,000 people still face catastrophic conditions, down from 1.9 million projected in mid-April.
Background: Gaza conflict and previous flotillas
The Gaza war began after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel's subsequent military campaign has killed over 72,600 in Gaza, including 824 since the ceasefire, per the Hamas-run health ministry.
Last October, Israel stopped another GSF flotilla, detaining and deporting 470 activists, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
