Pro-Palestinian activists reported that Israeli naval forces intercepted at least 22 vessels from a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza in international waters near Crete on Thursday. The organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) condemned the action as "piracy," stating that those on board were unlawfully seized 965 km (600 miles) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli naval blockade.
The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed that about 175 activists from more than 20 boats were detained and are being transported to Israel. It dismissed the flotilla as a "PR stunt" and accused Hamas of being the driving force behind it, alleging that the aim was to sabotage US President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza.
The flotilla set sail two weeks ago, with 58 vessels from Spain, France, and Italy seeking to break Israel's blockade. As of Thursday morning, GSF said at least 22 boats were stormed by Israeli forces, who jammed communications and aggressively abducted civilians. Israeli reports indicated that the navy warned vessels to retreat and took over those that did not.
Israel maintains that its actions comply with international law. A video released by the Israeli foreign ministry showed detained activists making their way peacefully to Israel aboard Israeli vessels.
This is the second such interception by Israel; in October, Israeli forces stopped a previous GSF flotilla, arresting and deporting over 470 people, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.