Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla; Dozens Detained

Israeli naval forces intercepted and boarded several vessels of the Global Sumud aid flotilla in the Mediterranean, saying they safely stopped and transferred passengers to Israeli ports while detaining dozens of activists from more than 20 countries. Israeli authorities and footage showed some boats escorted to the port of Ashdod and participants — including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg — were reported safe, while organizers said some vessels remained en route toward Gaza. Turkish authorities reported 24 Turkish citizens detained, a figure disputed by Turkish media and organizers, and Istanbul’s chief prosecutor opened an investigation into the arrests citing the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the operation as an “attack,” accused Israeli leaders of hiding crimes in Gaza, and Turkey and several other governments, including Spain, denounced the interceptions and summoned Israel’s envoys. Flotilla organizers called the action an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians and vowed to continue the mission, while observers warned the interdiction could complicate ceasefire efforts, humanitarian access to Gaza and risk further escalation at sea.