Israeli Military Boats Surround Gaza Aid Flotilla In International Waters

Last Updated:April 30, 2026, 08:12 IST

Global Sumud Flotilla says Israeli military boats surrounded its pro Palestinian convoy near Crete in international waters, jamming communications and intercepting several vessels.

A flotilla carrying pro-Palestinian activists attempting to challenge Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza has reported being surrounded by Israeli military vessels, according to organisers on Thursday.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said its convoy of more than 50 boats was intercepted while sailing in international waters. The group claimed the vessels faced threats and aggressive actions during the encounter.

In a post shared on X overnight, the organisers said Israeli naval forces had “illegally surrounded the flotilla in international waters and threatened kidnapping and violence".

The group also stated that contact had been lost with several of its boats. “Communications with 11 vessels have been lost," it added.

According to the flotilla’s live tracking data, the boats are currently positioned off the coast of Greece near Crete.

The organisation further alleged that the situation escalated during the approach. It said, “Our boats were approached by military speedboats, self-identified as ‘Israel’, pointing lasers and semi-automatic assault weapons ordering participants to the front of the boats and to get on their hands and knees."

It also claimed that electronic interference was affecting communications. “Boat communications are being jammed and an SOS was issued," the group added.

The flotilla, which set sail in recent weeks, began its journey from multiple European ports including Marseille in France, Barcelona in Spain and Syracuse in Italy. The mission aims to break Israel’s long-standing blockade on Gaza and deliver a political message of solidarity.

Tensions around similar maritime missions have been high in recent years. In late 2025, another flotilla of around 50 boats, which included activists and public figures such as Sweden’s Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by the Israeli navy. Organisers and human rights groups, including Amnesty International, said the action was unlawful. The crew members were detained and later expelled by Israel.

The Gaza Strip, governed by Hamas, has been under an Israeli naval blockade since 2007. The blockade has remained a central issue in the wider Israel-Palestine conflict.

Both sides have also accused each other of violating a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on October 10, 2025, following two years of intense conflict.

News world Israeli Military Boats Surround Gaza Aid Flotilla In International Waters

Read More