The Israeli navy’s interception of the flotilla consisting of more than 50 vessels in international waters has begun to raise tensions all around the world. The Israeli navy intercepted the civilian vessels as they approached Crete.
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World reacts to Israeli navy stoppage of aid convoy headed to Gaza
Following the Israeli interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla headed to Gaza with aid, the Israeli forces, alongside the captured activists, have disembarked in Crete. The Israeli navy captured around 175 activists aboard the boats.
The majority of the captured activists are nationals of European countries. Greek coastguards escorted the activists to the port of Atherinolakkos, which is in the southeast region of Crete.
However, while the Israeli foreign ministry said that its forces captured about 175 activists, the organisers of the flotilla put the number at 211. The Israeli navy intercepted approximately 22 boats in the Mediterranean.
Approximately 175 activists from more than 20 boats of the condom flotilla are now making their way peacefully to Israel.
In the video: the activists enjoying themselves aboard Israeli vessels pic.twitter.com/0sz8kDpKLX
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) April 30, 2026
The flotilla actually comprised over 50 vessels as it departed Sicily after a brief stop to gather more supplies and extra help. Organisers began the mission after calls for aid from Gaza and aimed to challenge the Israeli blockade of aid into the region.
Moreover, Turkey’s foreign ministry said about 20 Turkish nationals were on the flotilla that was intercepted by the Israeli forces. The ministry said that its nationals would be repatriated along with participants from third countries.
The Israeli foreign ministry called the flotilla’s attempt a provocation that was designed to divert attention from Hamas’ refusal to disarm. Oren Marmorstein, the ministry spokesperson, also confirmed the capture of the flotilla’s participants.
“All the flotilla activists are now in Greece except Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila,” he said.
Similarly, the United States called the flotilla’s effort a stunt, backing Israeli authorities. A day before the interception, participants aboard the boats spotted a plane apparently carrying out surveillance on the fleet. Participants later identified the plane as a U.S. Navy KC-130T Hercules.
Israeli interception of aid raises concerns about access to essential supplies
Israel controls all entry points to Gaza, and the United Nations has accused it of limiting aid into the region. Despite the six-month-old ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, many Palestinians still lack access to essential supplies.
The Global Sumud Flotilla previously tried to ship aid into the region in 2025, but Israeli forces also intercepted their 2025 efforts. The forces stopped the boats on the coasts of Egypt and the Gaza Strip in October.
However, the United States said that it expects allies to deny port access to vessels participating in the flotilla. A spokesperson also said that the U.S. is exploring consequences for those who support the flotilla.