Israel intercepts Gaza flotilla near Crete and detains 175 activists

Pro-Palestinian activists say 22 boats carrying aid for Gaza were illegally intercepted in international waters near the Greek island.

Israeli forces intercepted over 20 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla near Crete as the group attempted to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. About 175 activists were detained and are set to be transported to Greece, in coordination with Greek authorities.

Israeli naval forces intercepted 22 ships and arrested 175 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest-ever humanitarian mission bound for Gaza. The operation took place in international waters near Crete, with Israeli authorities claiming to have found drugs on board.

Israeli forces intercepted and detained the crews of at least 22 boats near the Greek island of Crete from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was attempting to break Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid.

Activists trying to break Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza said Israeli forces intercepted 22 vessels of their flotilla near the Greek island of Crete and detained their crews. The Global Sumud Flotilla claimed that Israeli military vessels had 'illegally surrounded the flotilla' and threatened those on board.

Over 20 ships and around 175 activists part of a Gaza-bound flotilla were intercepted by the Israeli Navy on Wednesday night. The flotilla was intercepted early in transit due to the large numbers of vessels participating and the risk of escalation, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.