Activists say Israel has intercepted their Gaza aid flotilla near Crete
Activists claim Israeli forces intercepted their Gaza aid flotilla near Crete, detaining crew members and halting the mission to break the maritime blockade. The Global Sumud Flotilla, launched from Barcelona with over 70 boats and 1,000 participants, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and highlight conditions in Gaza. Turkey condemned the interception as piracy, while activists criticized Greece for not responding within its maritime responsibility zone.
- ▪Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla near Crete, detaining around 175 activists from over 20 boats.
- ▪The flotilla, organized to deliver aid to Gaza, departed from Barcelona and included participants from more than 20 countries.
- ▪Turkey's foreign ministry denounced the interception as a violation of international law and labeled it an act of piracy.
- ▪Greece faced criticism from activists for not acting as the interception occurred within its maritime search and rescue zone.
- ▪The blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007, is maintained by Israel and Egypt to prevent arms smuggling by Hamas, according to Israeli authorities.
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World Activists say Israel has intercepted their Gaza aid flotilla near Crete April 30, 20263:59 AM ET By The Associated Press Boats carrying activists and humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza reposition in the port during a symbolic send-off as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Joan Mateu Parra/AP hide caption toggle caption Joan Mateu Parra/AP ATHENS, Greece — Activists sailing on dozens of boats attempting to break Israel's maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid say Israeli forces intercepted them overnight Wednesday into Thursday, detaining the crews while the flotilla was sailing near the southern Greek island of Crete.
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