Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) in the early hours of Thursday near the coast of Crete, an action organizers denounced as “piracy” and “unlawful abduction” of 22 civilian vessels in international waters.
“The fleet is under attack: the ship Bianca is being approached, and most boats are experiencing signal jamming,” the GSF posted to social media at around 11 pm as the situation developed.
In a statement on Telegram, the group said fast military boats identifying themselves as Israeli directed “laser beams and semi-automatic assault weapons” toward the activists, ordering them to “move to the front of the boats and kneel on their hands and knees.”
Subsequently, the flotilla confirmed that “communications on the boats were jammed, and a distress signal was issued.” It released a video showing several activists sitting aboard one of the vessels with their hands raised in surrender, while shouts from soldiers of the occupation forces could be heard clearly, using intimidation tactics and issuing strict orders not to move.
Activist Maryam Hegall, speaking in a video from the scene, expressed “frustration” that the interception occurred so early—approximately 1,000 kilometers from Gaza.
In another video filmed from inside a communications room on one of the ships, crew members documented receiving radio calls from the Israeli navy warning against breaching what it described as a “maritime security blockade.”
The navy issued explicit orders to “change course and return to the ports of departure,” threatening that any further attempts would leave the occupation army “no choice but to take all necessary measures.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry had derided the initiative as a “PR stunt,” confirming that approximately 175 activists from more than 20 boats were detained and are being transported to Israel. Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, praised the military for dealing with “a group of delusional provocateurs seeking attention.”
The interception caught participants by surprise, as the fleet—which set sail from Sicily two days ago—was not expected to reach Gazan waters until the weekend. GSF organizers held Israel responsible for these “violations” and the “ongoing genocide in Gaza,” demanding that international governments hold the “occupation army” accountable for breaches of international law.
The operation follows statements by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who claimed anti-terrorism laws allowed for the seizure of the property, alleging the fundraising campaign was backed by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly interrupted his testimony in a corruption court case to hold security consultations as the interception began.
This marks the latest in a series of confrontations; in October 2025, Israeli forces used drones to seize a previous Sumud mission. Organizers noted that in the previous mission, the navy waited until the ships were much closer to Gaza’s shores before launching an assault.
Anticipating a repeat of last year's mass detention, activists aboard the GSF vessels posted prerecorded videos calling on their respective governments to cut ties with Israel and issue statements regarding the illegality of their military actions both in international waters and in the occupied territories.
The Italian government has condemned “the seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels… and calls on Israel to immediately release all the unlawfully detained Italians,” calling for the “full respect of international law.”
