Gaza aid flotilla vessels taken to Crete after Israeli interception
Israeli forces intercepted 22 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in international waters near Greece, transferring 168 activists to Crete while two remained in Israeli custody. The flotilla organizers and several countries, including Turkiye and Spain, condemned the interception as a violation of international law, with some calling it piracy. The U.S. Department of State criticized the flotilla as pro-Hamas and threatened consequences for its supporters.
- ▪Israeli military forces intercepted 22 aid vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Greece on April 30, 2026.
- ▪A total of 168 activists were transferred to Greek coastguard vessels and taken to Crete, while two remained detained by Israel.
- ▪Each intercepted vessel was carrying approximately one tonne of food, medical supplies, and humanitarian equipment destined for Gaza.
- ▪Turkiye and Spain denounced the interception as illegal, with Turkiye labeling it an 'act of piracy,' while the U.S. labeled the flotilla as pro-Hamas.
- ▪The Israeli military used drones, communications jamming, and armed raiding parties to halt the flotilla en route from Barcelona to Gaza.
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News|US-Israel war on IranGaza aid flotilla vessels taken to Crete after Israeli interceptionIsrael’s military reportedly seized 22 vessels sailing among the Global Sumud Flotilla.ListenListen (4 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoA Greek coastguard vessel transfers activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted on international waters by the Israeli navy, at the port of Atherinolakkos, on the island of Crete, Greece, May 1, 2026 [Stefanos Rapanis/Reuters]By Al Jazeera Staff and ReutersPublished On 1 May 20261 May 2026More than 160 activists on board aid ships forming a flotilla bound for Gaza have been taken to the Greek island of Crete after Israeli forces seized their vessels in…
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