Aid Flotilla Diverted to Crete After Israeli Interception in Mediterranean Waters
More than 160 activists transferred to Greece as tensions rise over legality of naval operation targeting Gaza bound humanitarian vessels
2 min read
![Security camera footage shows crew members of the flotilla that sailed from the Spanish port of Barcelona, carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, raise their arms as the vessel is said to be intercepted by the Israeli army off the coast of Greece, April 30, 2026 [Handout/Global Sumud Flotilla via Reuters]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkiqklncxbiruqacmxddj.supabase.co%2Fstorage%2Fv1%2Fobject%2Fpublic%2Fnews_media%2Farticles%2F0.5332192345560507.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Security camera footage shows crew members of the flotilla that sailed from the Spanish port of Barcelona, carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, raise their arms as the vessel is said to be intercepted by the Israeli army off the coast of Greece, April 30, 2026 [Handout/Global Sumud Flotilla via Reuters]
More than 160 activists aboard a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza have been transferred to Crete after their vessels were intercepted by Israel in international waters near Greece.
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said that 168 individuals were taken to Crete, while two activists remained in Israeli custody following the operation. The flotilla, consisting of dozens of vessels carrying aid supplies, had departed from Barcelona earlier in the week.
According to organisers, Israeli forces used drones, communications jamming systems, and armed boarding teams to halt the vessels as they navigated the Mediterranean en route to Gaza.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that those detained during the interception would be transferred to Greece.
On Friday, an Israeli naval vessel handed over 168 crew members to Greek authorities at sea. They were subsequently transported to Crete, where emergency and transport services were waiting upon arrival.
Organisers reported that 22 vessels have been intercepted so far, while additional boats remain at sea near southern Crete. These vessels are expected to anchor before attempting to continue their journey toward Gaza.
Each ship in the flotilla was reportedly carrying humanitarian supplies, including food, medical equipment, and essential goods intended for civilians in the Gaza Strip.
A spokesperson for the flotilla described the interception as “a straight up attack on unarmed civilian boats in international waters”.
“This is illegal under international law. Israel has no jurisdiction in these waters. Boarding these boats amounts to illegal detention, potentially kidnapping on the high seas,” the spokesperson said.
The operation has drawn strong international reactions. Turkey condemned the interception as an “act of piracy”, while Spain labeled it illegal. Germany and Italy expressed concern and called for the release of those detained.
In contrast, the US Department of State warned it could impose consequences on individuals or groups supporting the flotilla, describing the initiative as aligned with hostile interests.
Activists involved in the mission rejected such claims, stating that their objective was solely to deliver humanitarian assistance and highlight the conditions faced by civilians in Gaza.
The incident echoes previous flotilla attempts to reach Gaza, including a similar operation last year in which dozens of vessels were intercepted and hundreds of participants detained before being expelled.
The latest developments add to growing international scrutiny over maritime operations in the region and raise further questions about the enforcement of international law in contested waters.