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Israel intercepts Gaza flotilla near Crete and detains 175 activists

Organizers said the interception took place in international waters and that most of the 175 detainees were later transferred to Crete.

  • On Thursday, Israeli naval forces intercepted 22 Global Sumud Flotilla vessels in international waters off Crete, detaining approximately 175 activists to enforce Gaza's naval blockade.
  • Israel maintains the naval blockade, enforced since 2007, is necessary to prevent arms imports, while organizers state the mission aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
  • Activists reported Israeli forces utilized speedboats and communications jamming during the operation; the Israeli Foreign Ministry claimed inspections revealed contraceptives and narcotics rather than medical supplies.
  • Detained participants were transported to Israel or Greece, prompting affected nations to seek consular updates and repatriation as some governments condemned the operation as violating international law.
  • The seizure triggers diplomatic fallout and legal disputes over enforcing blockades in international waters, complicating future sea-based humanitarian efforts as rights groups challenge the operation's legality.
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Israeli forces intercept Gaza-bound aid flotilla, detain 2 activists for questioning

The flotilla included about 180 activists across 22 boats.

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Reuters broke the news in United Kingdom on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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