Gaza Aid Flotilla Says Israeli Forces Intercepted 10 Boats
Organizers of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla said Israeli forces intercepted 10 boats and that contact was lost with 23 vessels in the eastern Mediterranean.
Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli forces intercepted 10 boats that were heading toward Gaza with humanitarian aid, according to Reuters. The group also said contact had been lost with 23 vessels in the eastern Mediterranean.
The flotilla included hundreds of people from dozens of countries and had set out from southern Turkey. Its stated goal was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s naval blockade. Live footage reportedly showed military vessels approaching the flotilla, and organizers said Israeli forces boarded some of the boats.
Israel has said it will not allow vessels to breach its naval blockade of Gaza. Israeli authorities have urged flotilla participants to turn back, while activists argue that the mission is legal, non-violent, and humanitarian.
The incident comes as Gaza continues to face severe humanitarian conditions. Although a ceasefire agreement in 2025 promised increased aid, international organizations and several countries have said that the level of aid reaching Gaza remains insufficient. Israel says it is not restricting supplies and says large quantities of aid have entered the territory.
The interception is likely to increase international debate over Gaza’s blockade, humanitarian access, and the legality of aid missions attempting to reach the territory by sea.
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