Israeli naval forces have intercepted a second humanitarian aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip in international waters, detaining hundreds of activists and seizing dozens of civilian vessels, according to organizers and official statements.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international network of pro-Palestinian organizations, said Israeli forces “hijacked” the convoy, which was carrying humanitarian supplies including medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional aid valued at over $110,000. The FFC described the interception as “illegal,” asserting that the flotilla was operating in international waters and posed “no threat.”
Israeli authorities confirmed the interception, stating that the vessels were attempting to breach what they called a “legal naval blockade” and enter a “combat zone.” The detained passengers — more than 450 international activists, including environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg — are being held in Israel and are expected to be deported in the coming days, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
The incident marks the second interception in less than a week, following Israel’s seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of around 40 civilian boats attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
Footage from live cameras aboard the vessels showed Israeli soldiers boarding the ships under the cover of darkness. Passengers, including doctors, journalists, and parliamentarians from multiple countries, were seen wearing life vests and raising their hands as troops advanced.
The flotilla’s seizure has sparked widespread international condemnation and global protests. Demonstrations have been reported in Europe, Latin America, and South Asia, with thousands rallying in Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. In Italy, labor unions have called for a general strike in protest of the incident.
Several governments, including Turkey, South Africa, and Italy, have called for the immediate release of their nationals detained by Israel.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the operation as “thuggery directed at a humanitarian mission,” while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa demanded the release of South African citizens on board, including Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.
The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens, while legal advocacy groups in Israel, including Adalah, confirmed that detainees were being transferred to Ketziot Prison in southern Israel pending deportation.
Israel maintains that its naval blockade of Gaza is lawful under international law and necessary for security reasons, citing the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The United Nations, however, has warned of a deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.
The flotilla’s interception comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts by the United States and Israel to broker a ceasefire that includes Hamas’ surrender. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will oversee a temporary governance arrangement for Gaza if the proposal proceeds, warning of continued escalation should Hamas reject the plan.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Israeli forces are employing remote-controlled demolition vehicles in Gaza City to clear large urban sections after issuing final evacuation warnings. Hamas condemned the flotilla interception as a “criminal act,” urging global protests in solidarity with the detained activists.
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