Israel seizes Gaza-bound aid flotilla, detains 430 acitivists

Israel Foreign Ministry has announced that Israeli forces have taken control of all vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was heading toward the coast of the Gaza Strip with the stated aim of “breaking the naval blockade.”

According to Caliber.Az, the ministry said that all 430 activists aboard the flotilla have been detained. They are being transported to Israel, where they will be given the opportunity to meet with their consular representatives.

Another PR flotilla has come to an end. All 430 activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels and are making their way to Israel, where they will be able to meet with their consular representatives.

This flotilla has once again proved to be nothing more than a PR stunt at…

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 19, 2026

In an official statement, the ministry criticised the mission, stating: “This flotilla has once again proved to be nothing more than a PR stunt at the service of Hamas.

Israel will continue to act in full accordance with international law and will not permit any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza.”

By Tamilla Hasanova