Israel Intercepts Gaza Flotilla; 500 Activists Aboard

Israeli naval forces intercepted and boarded multiple vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of roughly 40–45 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists and politicians, including Greta Thunberg, as it attempted to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza. Organisers say several boats — including the Alma, Sirius and Adara — were boarded in international waters roughly 70–75 miles off Gaza, with communications and livestreams cut and passengers detained or transferred to Israeli ports. Israel said it warned the convoy it was entering an active combat zone, described the mission as a provocation with alleged ties to Hamas, and offered to deliver aid through Ashdod and other official channels. Activists and some European participants condemned the interception as illegal and accused Israel of piracy; Hamas also denounced the action, while Spain and Italy, which had provided naval escorts, did not cross the exclusion zone. Organisers reported earlier incidents during the voyage, including suspected drone attacks, and framed the mission as a response to Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis, which U.N. agencies warn includes famine risks. The interception is likely to fuel diplomatic disputes and legal scrutiny over maritime blockades, use of force at sea, and the fate of detainees.