Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla near the southern Greek island of Crete, stopping more than 20 boats attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade. Around 175 activists from over 20 vessels were detained and are expected to be transferred to Greece for further processing and eventual return to their home countries. The Global Sumud Flotilla said this was its second recent attempt to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid through the Mediterranean route and claimed the interception happened in international waters far from Israel and Gaza.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry defended the operation, stating that the flotilla was stopped due to the large number of vessels involved and the risk of escalation. It said the objective was to prevent what it called a breach of a lawful naval blockade on Gaza. Israel added that the interception was carried out peacefully and without any casualties. The ministry also released a video showing activists aboard Israeli vessels, saying they were “enjoying themselves” after being detained.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Israeli Navy, calling the interception a complete success and saying that no ship reached Israeli territory or waters. He said the mission was carried out to stop what he described as a Hamas-supporting flotilla and added that the participants would be returned to their countries. Netanyahu’s remarks further intensified debate around the incident, especially his comment that activists would “continue to see Gaza on YouTube".

Also Read: Panama Canal Logs 300 More Crossings Due to Middle East War

The United States backed Israel’s position, with officials describing the flotilla as a provocative and counterproductive move linked to a sanctioned pro-Hamas entity. The US State Department said humanitarian aid should be delivered through coordinated international mechanisms rather than direct attempts to breach blockades. Israel echoed this stance, warning against what it called unlawful maritime provocations and insisting that aid should flow through established channels.

However, flotilla organisers strongly condemned the interception, calling it an unlawful seizure of civilians in international waters. They accused Israel of acting with impunity and described the operation as "piracy". The organisers argued that no state has the right to police international waters in this manner and said the action represented an escalation in the enforcement of the Gaza blockade. The incident has also drawn criticism from international leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who accused Israel of violating international law.

Also Read: Hezbollah Says It Targeted Israel Following Alleged Ceasefire Violations