Israeli forces have once again intervened against the activist flotilla Global Sumud, which is attempting to sail to Gaza with humanitarian aid. According to the group, several of the small vessels were intercepted on Monday morning by Israeli commandos in international waters south of Cyprus.
The flotilla consists of small boats from several European countries, including Portugal, Italy, Spain, France and Poland. The activists describe the mission as a peaceful humanitarian effort aimed at establishing a corridor to Gaza. Israel’s Foreign Ministry, however, rejects the flotilla’s stated purpose and describes the participants as provocateurs. Israel maintains that the maritime blockade of Gaza is lawful and that emergency aid is already being delivered through international channels.
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According to the organisers, between 16 and 22 boats were intercepted during the operation, whilst up to 14 vessels are still heading towards Gaza. The group claims that they were more than 250 nautical miles from Israeli territory when they were intercepted.
Global Sumud has previously attempted to reach Gaza by sea. In 2025, one of the group’s boats caught fire near Malta, whilst a later flotilla was intercepted close to the Gaza coast.
