Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza Aid Convoy, Transfers 168 Activists to Crete

On May 2, organizers of the Freedom Flotilla said more than 160 activists aboard aid vessels bound for Gaza were taken to Crete, Greece, after Israeli forces stopped their ships in international waters near Greece earlier this week. According to Reuters, 168 crew members of the flotilla were transferred to Crete, while two activists remain with Israeli authorities.

The Freedom Flotilla monitoring group reported that Israel had intercepted 22 ships so far, while 47 others continued their journey.

On April 30, Israeli forces intercepted vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Barcelona, Spain, using drones, communications jamming technology, and armed teams to stop the humanitarian convoy in the Mediterranean as it headed toward Gaza, according to organizers and Israeli media.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the activists on the intercepted ships would be taken to Greece. That same day, an Israeli military vessel transferred 168 crew members to a Greek ship, which then brought them to Crete, where buses and ambulances were waiting, according to organizers and Reuters footage.

A source who asked not to be named said the remaining 47 ships were sailing off the southern coast of Crete and were expected to anchor there before proceeding to Gaza. Each ship carried about one ton of food, medical supplies, and other equipment.

In an interview with Al Jazeera on April 30, Gur Tsabar, a spokesman for the Global Sumud Flotilla, described Israel's actions as 'a direct attack on unarmed civilian ships in international waters.' He said: 'This is illegal under international law. Israel has no authority in these waters. Seizing the ships amounts to unlawful detention, possibly abduction on the high seas.'

Several countries have condemned the interception as a violation of international law. Turkey called it 'an act of piracy.' The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated: 'By targeting the Global Sumud Flotilla, Israel has violated humanitarian principles and international law.' Spain called the action 'illegal,' while Germany and Italy expressed 'deep concern' and called for the release of those detained.

In contrast, on May 1, the U.S. State Department threatened 'to impose consequences' on supporters of the flotilla, whom it described as 'pro-Hamas.' Pro-Palestinian activists argue that Israel and the U.S. are wrong to equate support for Palestinian rights with support for Hamas.

In October 2025, Israel intercepted about 40 ships from the first voyage of the Global Sumud Flotilla as they tried to carry aid to Gaza, arresting more than 450 participants, including a grandson of South African leader Nelson Mandela, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, and European parliamentarian Rima Hassan. They were taken to Israel and later deported. Some activists reported physical and psychological mistreatment during their detention.