Israeli naval forces intercept Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla

The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of over 50 vessels that departed from France, Spain, and Italy, was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in international waters west of Crete. Organizers reported losing contact with at least 11 ships and alleged that Israeli forces threatened crews with weapons and lasers, ordering participants to lie on their decks. Israeli military sources confirmed the operation to intercept the flotilla, which aims to challenge the maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip. An Israeli naval officer was recorded via video advising the activists to either return to their ports of origin or divert their cargo to the port of Ashdod via official channels. While organizers claim the incident took place in international waters, the Israeli military maintains that the blockade must be enforced. Reports indicate the flotilla was positioned hundreds of nautical miles from Israel at the time of the incident. This event follows similar attempts to deliver aid by sea that took place in 2025. No official detailed response has been released by the Israeli government beyond the military's directive to the activists.