Israel intercepts and detains crews of Gaza aid flotilla near Crete

April 30, 2026

TL;DR

Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla near Crete, detaining their crews.
The flotilla was attempting to break Israel's maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid.
Flotilla organizers described the interception as a 'violent raid in international waters' and accused Israeli forces of damaging vessels.
Israel stated that the activists would be transferred to Greece.
Turkey condemned the interception as an 'act of piracy' and a violation of international law.
The UN special rapporteur questioned Israel's right to seize vessels in international waters off Greece.
Italy called for the immediate release of Italian nationals onboard the flotilla.
Israel's defense minister claimed the flotilla was organized by Hamas.
The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007, leading to severe shortages.

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