International Waters (QNN)- Israeli naval forces attacked the International Sumud Flotilla in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, targeting one of the largest pro-Gaza maritime aid missions in recent years. The assault took place far from Israeli shores, after military officials decided to intercept the convoy due to its size, according to Israeli Army Radio.
Israeli media claimed that naval forces seized control of several vessels from the flotilla. Initial reports said the navy took over 7 ships out of a total of 58, while other accounts indicated the convoy included more than 50 boats carrying around 1,000 activists from nearly 70 countries. Participants stated that the mission is a large-scale humanitarian effort aimed at delivering aid and challenging the ongoing Israeli blockade on Gaza. Israeli media reported, citing sources, that the navy will take some of the vessels to the port of Port of Ashdod.
Organizers of the flotilla said Israeli military speedboats surrounded their vessels and identified themselves as Israeli forces. They added that soldiers pointed lasers and semi-automatic weapons at those on board and ordered them to move to the front of the boats and kneel. Activists also reported that communications systems were jammed during the interception, prompting crews to issue an SOS signal as the situation escalated.
The flotilla set sail as part of the Spring 2026 Mission, which launched on April 12 from Barcelona. The convoy included dozens of ships carrying humanitarian supplies such as food and educational materials for children in Gaza. Organizers said the mission aimed not only to deliver aid but also to break the long-standing blockade and establish a sustained humanitarian corridor into the besieged enclave.
Participants stressed that the initiative comes at a critical moment, as shifting geopolitical developments have pushed Gaza out of the global spotlight. Through this action, they seek to bring renewed international attention to the humanitarian crisis and pressure for lasting solutions.
This mission follows a previous flotilla attempt in September 2025, which Israeli forces also intercepted in international waters, kidnapping hundreds of activists before expelling them. The latest incident raises fresh concerns about freedom of navigation and the safety of civilian-led humanitarian efforts.
The flotilla’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of a worsening crisis in Gaza, where Israel has enforced a blockade since 2007. The ongoing genocide since October 2023 has devastated infrastructure and deepened humanitarian suffering, leaving severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, while hospitals and essential services struggle to function.
