Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Humanitarian Flotilla in Mediterranean, Detains 145 International Activists

450 activists from a previous flotilla were intercepted on more than 40 boats last week. (File)

Tel Aviv:

The Israeli military intercepted a nine-boat flotilla attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza early Wednesday in the Mediterranean Sea and detained approximately 145 activists on board, according to both flotilla organizers and the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Israeli officials stated that the activists participating in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition & Thousand Madleens to Gaza were in good health and were being transported to Israeli shores for processing, after which they are expected to face deportation.

This interception follows last week's similar action when nearly 450 activists, including European lawmakers and climate activist Greta Thunberg, were stopped aboard more than 40 vessels as they attempted to reach Gaza with symbolic humanitarian aid supplies.

While most participants from the previous Global Sumud Flotilla have already been deported, six activists—from Norway, Morocco and Spain—remain in Israeli detention as of late Tuesday, according to their legal representatives.

Organizers of the latest flotilla condemned Wednesday's detentions as "arbitrary and unlawful."

The nine vessels carried various passengers including medical professionals, politicians, and lawmakers from Turkey and Denmark. According to the passenger manifest published on the flotilla's website, two Israeli citizens were aboard the largest vessel, named Conscience.

The flotilla was transporting food supplies and medical aid intended for Gaza hospitals. Among the passengers was Mélissa Camara, a French representative in the European Parliament.

"Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing," the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X.

According to organizers, Israeli forces intercepted the fleet approximately 120 nautical miles from Gaza's coastline. Onboard cameras from the vessels—consisting of one large passenger ship and eight smaller sailboats—broadcasted the interception live. Footage showed fast-moving Israeli vessels approaching and boarding the flotilla, after which the broadcasts were terminated. Activists also reported an Israeli helicopter flying overhead. No injuries were reported during the operation.

Turkey strongly condemned Israel's interception in international waters, describing it as an "act of piracy." In a Wednesday statement, Turkey's Foreign Ministry characterized the action as a serious violation of international law, accusing Israel of escalating tensions and undermining peace initiatives.

Turkish officials have initiated diplomatic efforts to secure the immediate release and safe return of their citizens and are coordinating with other countries regarding the status of other detained activists.

Last week's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla generated widespread international condemnation, triggering major protests in several cities and a one-day strike across Italy.

Some deported activists alleged mistreatment by Israeli guards—claims that Israel has denied.

These Gaza-bound flotillas emerge amid intensifying criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, where operations against Hamas have devastated large areas and resulted in tens of thousands of casualties.

Israel and Hamas are currently engaged in the third day of indirect negotiations in Sharm Al-Sheikh, Egypt, with high-level participation from international delegations including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

The ongoing conflict began following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 abductions. Forty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive.

Israel's military response has resulted in more than 67,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and Hamas fighters in its figures. The ministry, operating under the Hamas-run government but considered by experts to provide the most reliable casualty estimates, reports that women and children constitute roughly half of the fatalities.

Israel has maintained various levels of blockade on the Gaza Strip since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, arguing the measures are necessary to contain Hamas. Critics characterize this policy as collective punishment.

Following the war's outbreak, Israel tightened the blockade before partially easing restrictions under American pressure. In March, it completely sealed off the territory from food, medicine, and other essential supplies for approximately 2½ months, contributing to famine conditions in Gaza.

Flotilla activists state their objective is to break Israel's blockade and establish a humanitarian sea corridor, citing the minimal aid currently reaching Gaza by land routes. They have pledged to continue their efforts despite these setbacks.