Israel has intercepted another pro-Palestinian aid flotilla attempting to reach the Gaza Strip, stopping nine vessels carrying over 150 activists from about 30 countries.
The flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Thousand Madleens to Gaza movement, was halted early Wednesday around 220 kilometres off Gaza’s coast.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the organisers accused Israeli naval forces of “attacking and illegally intercepting” the convoy, which was en route to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
They condemned the interception as a violation of international law and a deliberate attempt to block much-needed aid from reaching civilians.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation, describing the flotilla as “another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone.”
The ministry said that the naval forces acted in accordance with international maritime law and that all participants were “safe, healthy, and being escorted to an Israeli port.”
The intercepted vessels were later directed to Israeli territory, where security and immigration officials began processing the activists for deportation.
Israeli authorities emphasized that humanitarian aid to Gaza continues through “approved and secure land crossings” under the supervision of international partners.
This latest interception follows a similar incident just last week, when more than 40 boats—part of the “Global Sumud Flotilla”—were detained by Israeli forces.
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That mission included about 400 participants, among them Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Most of the detained activists from that earlier operation have since been released and deported.
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla had accused Israeli forces of mistreating detainees and violating their rights, but Israeli officials denied the claims, insisting that “all actions taken were lawful and humane.”
While supporters of the flotillas argue they represent vital humanitarian efforts to draw global attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, critics—including Israeli and some Western officials—contend that the missions are largely symbolic.
They point out that the limited supplies on board cannot significantly impact the dire conditions in Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.
Despite the challenges and repeated interceptions, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has pledged to continue its maritime efforts. “We will not be silenced,” the group said in a follow-up statement. “Our goal is to break the blockade and stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
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