Israeli Navy intercepts Gaza-bound Turkish flotilla off Cyprus

Israeli commandos seize vessels from Turkey-linked flotilla attempting to force its way to the Gaza Strip.

By World Israel News Staff

The Israeli Navy began boarding vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the eastern Mediterranean on Monday, stopping a Turkey-based convoy that organizers said was trying to circumvent Israel’s naval blockade and reach the Gaza Strip.

The flotilla’s organizers said Israeli forces intercepted at least 10 boats and that contact had been lost with 23 of the 54 vessels in the convoy.

They said the flotilla carried 426 participants from 39 countries and was intercepted about 250 nautical miles from Gaza.

Live video from the flotilla showed Israeli military boats approaching before troops boarded some vessels and broadcasts were cut.

The Associated Press reported that activists on several boats were seen putting on life jackets and raising their hands as Israeli troops in tactical gear came aboard.

“Military vessels are currently intercepting our fleet and IDF forces are currently boarding the first of our boats in broad daylight,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said on X. “We demand safe passage for our legal, non-violent humanitarian mission.”

Israel said before the operation that it would not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza.

The Foreign Ministry wrote on X that Israel “will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza” and called on participants “to change course and turn back immediately.”

The ministry also dismissed the mission as a political provocation. “Once again, a provocation for the sake of provocation: another so-called ‘humanitarian aid flotilla’ with no humanitarian aid,” it said.

Hebrew-language reports said the operation took place near Cyprus, hundreds of kilometers from Israel and Gaza. Ynet reported that detained activists were transferred to a ship described as a “floating prison” and were expected to be taken from there to Ashdod.

The convoy left Marmaris, Turkey, on Thursday after an earlier Sumud flotilla attempt was stopped near Crete.

Steering committee member Saif Abu Keshek said last week that 54 vessels and more than 500 activists would depart from Marmaris.

Israeli media described the flotilla as linked to IHH, the Turkish group behind the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla, in which Israeli commandos killed 10 Turkish participants, after activists violently assaulted the Israeli troops.

Monday’s interception drew criticism from Turkey. Turkish-linked media quoted Ankara and flotilla supporters accusing Israel of “piracy” and violating international law, while Israel said it was enforcing a lawful security blockade imposed to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas.