Israel intercepts Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla at sea VIDEO

The Israeli military began intercepting several boats on May 18 morning that are part of a flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade.

More than 50 vessels had departed from the port of Marmaris last week in what organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla described as the final leg of their journey toward Gaza’s shores, Ynet reports.

The organization’s livestream showed activists aboard several vessels putting on life jackets and raising their hands as a boat carrying Israeli troops approached. Israeli soldiers wearing tactical gear then boarded one of the ships, and the livestream abruptly ended. Many of the flotilla vessels are currently reported to be off the coast of Cyprus.

About an hour before the interception, Israel’s Foreign Ministry urged activists to “change course and turn back immediately.”

“Once again, a provocation for the sake of provocation: another so-called ‘humanitarian aid flotilla’ with no humanitarian aid,” the ministry posted on X. The Israeli military declined to comment on the ongoing operation.

In a previous incident on April 30, Israeli forces intercepted more than 20 boats from a similar flotilla near the southern Greek island of Crete, initially detaining about 175 activists. The operation prompted protests and condemnation from several countries and raised questions about the legality of enforcing a blockade in international waters.

Israeli officials said they acted early due to the large number of vessels involved.

Two activists — Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian national Thiago Ávila — were taken to Israel, where they were interrogated and held for several days. The activists accused Israel of torture, allegations Israel denied. Brazil and Spain condemned the arrests as “kidnapping,” and both men were deported on May 17.

Organizers said the latest attempt involved a regrouped fleet following earlier interceptions, joined by additional vessels. Nearly 500 activists from 45 countries were taking part in the flotilla.

By Vafa Guliyeva