Video: Israeli Forces Seize Gaza-Bound Humanitarian Flotilla In International Waters Near Crete

Israeli forces have intercepted a large humanitarian flotilla heading towards the Gaza Strip, seizing multiple vessels in international waters near Crete, according to organizers, activists, and Israeli media reports.

The operation targeted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of more than 50 boats carrying activists and aid supplies.

Organizers said Israeli naval units used drones, communication jamming systems, and armed boarding teams to stop the vessels while they were sailing hundreds of miles from Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea.

According to the flotilla’s tracking data, 22 out of 58 vessels had been intercepted by Thursday, while others continued sailing.

Israeli sources cited by army radio reported a smaller number of vessels seized initially, though they confirmed that forces had begun taking control of ships bound for Gaza.

The flotilla said its boats were approached by military speedboats identifying themselves as Israeli forces. Crew members were reportedly ordered at gunpoint to gather at the front of vessels and kneel.

Activists described the use of lasers, semi-automatic weapons, and aerial drones during the boarding operations.

A spokesperson for the flotilla stated that Israeli naval units surrounded the vessels in international waters and threatened force.

The group called on governments to intervene, saying more than 400 civilians were on board across the fleet.

Israeli officials defended the action. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said the flotilla had been stopped before reaching what he described as Israeli-controlled waters. He characterised participants as agitators seeking attention.

Activists on board reported that communication systems were disrupted during the operation.

Radio channels were allegedly jammed, with signals replaced by music transmissions, which participants described as a psychological tactic. Several vessels also lost contact with the rest of the fleet.

INTERCEPTION HAPPENING NOW pic.twitter.com/lwXVnysDV7

— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) April 30, 2026

Eyewitness accounts said Israeli naval ships deployed smaller rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) to surround and board the vessels.

Drones were seen hovering overhead, using lights during the night-time operation. The interception unfolded over several hours.

Organizers and activists said the flotilla was intercepted roughly 600 nautical miles (about 1,111 km) from Gaza.

This marks the furthest known distance at which Israeli forces have intercepted a Gaza-bound aid convoy at sea.

Previous interceptions were reported much closer to the Gaza coastline, with the earlier known limit around 72 nautical miles.

The Global Sumud Flotilla had departed from European ports, including Spain and Italy, with participants from multiple countries.

Organizers described it as one of the largest coordinated maritime attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in recent years.

Israel’s foreign ministry said approximately 175 activists from over 20 vessels were being taken to Israel following the interception. In earlier similar operations, detained participants were later deported.

Turkey’s foreign ministry described the operation as a violation of international law and humanitarian principles.

Activists in Greece announced plans to protest, arguing that the interception occurred within a maritime zone linked to Greek search and rescue responsibilities.

The incident comes as tensions continue over the Gaza blockade, which has been in place since 2007 and is enforced by Israel and Egypt after Hamas took control of the area.

Israel says the blockade is necessary to stop weapons from entering, while critics say it limits basic supplies for civilians.

Conditions in Gaza remain severe. Around two million residents continue to face shortages of food, medicine, and basic infrastructure, with limited aid entering through controlled crossings.

Health authorities in Gaza report that more than 72,000 people have been killed since the war began following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, in which around 1,200 people in Israel were killed.

This interception follows a similar operation last year, when Israeli forces stopped around 40 flotilla vessels and detained more than 450 participants.

Among those detained in that incident were international activists, including Greta Thunberg and European lawmaker Rima Hassan. Some detainees later alleged mistreatment in custody, which Israeli authorities denied.

References: presstv, aljazeera