The Israeli navy has intercepted boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and detained dozens of activists aboard, escalating international tensions over the blockade of the war-torn territory.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that several vessels forming part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were “safely stopped” and redirected to an Israeli port. Authorities said the boats were warned to change course because they were “approaching an active combat zone.”
The GSF, however, condemned the interception, describing it as “illegal” and “not an act of defence” but rather “a brazen act of desperation.” The group claimed that one vessel had been deliberately rammed and others hit by water cannons.
“It clearly reveals the extreme lengths to which the occupier will go to ensure Gaza remains starved and isolated,” the GSF said on social media.
According to the flotilla organizers, the interception took place about 70 nautical miles from Gaza’s coastline. They accused the Israeli military of disrupting ship communications and blocking distress signals to prevent livestreams of what they called an “illegal boarding.”
International Fallout
The move has triggered international condemnation. Demonstrations have broken out in Greece, Italy, Germany, Tunisia, and Turkey in solidarity with the flotilla.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged Israel to “urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible.”
Turkey’s foreign ministry labelled the interception an “act of terrorism” and demanded accountability.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of all Israeli diplomats and the termination of a free trade agreement, calling the action “an international crime.”
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said he expected Israel to uphold international law, with at least seven Irish citizens, including Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews, among those detained.
European Response
European officials had been in contact with Israel prior to the operation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said his government had worked to ensure “any possible boarding operation would take place under the best possible security conditions.”
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that he had been reassured by his Israeli counterpart that no violence would be used against the more than 500 people aboard the flotilla, including European politicians.
Context of the Blockade
Israel maintains a strict naval blockade on Gaza, which it says is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas. Activists argue that the blockade is collective punishment, worsening famine and medical shortages in the enclave.
International aid agencies have repeatedly warned of a humanitarian catastrophe, with the United Nations recently confirming famine in Gaza. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths has accused Israel of the “systematic obstruction” of aid—an allegation Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed as “an outright lie.”
Meanwhile, Israel continues its assault on Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate southwards. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that anyone who remained would be considered “terrorists and supporters of terror.” The International Committee of the Red Cross countered that under international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected regardless of whether they stay or leave.
Repeated Attempts
This is not the first time Israel has blocked maritime aid efforts. Similar flotillas were intercepted in June and July, with Israel branding the voyages as provocations rather than genuine humanitarian missions.
Despite the risks, the GSF insists it will continue its efforts to break the blockade. “They will attack a peaceful civilian mission,” the group said, “because the success of humanitarian aid means the failure of their siege.”