Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla in international waters off Greece, detaining dozens

Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza aid flotilla in international waters off the coast of Greece, detaining dozens of activists. The "Global Sumud Flotilla," which departed from Barcelona earlier this month with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, was intercepted near the island of Crete. The flotilla, comprising dozens of boats and over 1,000 participants from various countries, was attempting to break Israel's maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip. This incident marks the second time in less than a year that Israeli authorities have thwarted a similar activist effort to reach Gaza. The activists were detained while sailing hundreds of kilometers from Gaza.

In April 2026, the "Global Resilience Flotilla," consisting of 70 boats and 1,000 international activists, departed from Barcelona, Spain, aiming to break Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid. The flotilla carries food, medicine, and school supplies for Palestinian children. Organizers stated the mission is coordinated with Palestinian civil society groups and international NGOs. The flotilla aims to condemn international complicity in the situation in Gaza and demand a humanitarian corridor. This initiative follows a similar flotilla intercepted by the Israeli military in October 2025. The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007 and has faced a severe humanitarian crisis.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, described as the largest of its kind, departed from Barcelona's port, heading towards Gaza. Thousands of people congregated to witness the flotilla's departure. The purpose of the flotilla is to reach Gaza, though the specific reasons for the voyage were not detailed in the provided information. The flotilla's journey marks a significant effort to reach the region. The date of departure was not specified.

A flotilla carrying humanitarian aid departed Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla, the group of approximately 30 boats is carrying medical supplies and other aid for Palestinians. More vessels are expected to join the flotilla en route to Palestine. This is the second attempt by the organization to reach Gaza; a previous flotilla was halted by the Israeli military in October 2023. While Israel asserts it does not restrict supplies to Gaza, Palestinians and aid organizations maintain that the aid reaching the territory remains insufficient despite a ceasefire agreement.