Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla in international waters near Greece

Israeli forces intercepted and detained approximately 175 activists aboard more than 20 boats of a Gaza aid flotilla sailing near the southern Greek island of Crete, about 1,000 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.

The flotilla, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla group, aimed to break Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.

The interception occurred overnight Wednesday into Thursday, with Israeli authorities taking control of 22 vessels in international waters west of Crete.

The activists were reportedly transferred peacefully to Israel, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

No casualties have been reported.

The flotilla organizers condemned the interception as an unlawful seizure and described it as a dangerous escalation, accusing Israel of abducting civilians far from Gaza in international waters.

The Israeli government stated the operation was necessary to enforce the blockade imposed since 2007.

This incident is significant as it marks a continuation and escalation of Israel's enforcement of the maritime blockade on Gaza, which has been in place since Hamas took control of the territory.

The blockade is intended by Israel to prevent arms smuggling but has been criticized internationally for restricting humanitarian aid and goods to Gaza's population.

The Global Sumud Flotilla had set sail from Barcelona on April 12, with plans for over 70 boats and 1,000 participants from around the world.

Some vessels remain at sea, including one carrying the sister of President Catherine Connolly, which was not intercepted and continues toward Greece.

Israel and Egypt have maintained varying degrees of blockade on Gaza since 2007.

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