The Israeli Navy intercepted and seized 15 vessels belonging to the pro-Palestinian "Sumud" flotilla overnight. The fleet, which reportedly consisted of 58 ships, was attempting to reach the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the ongoing maritime blockade.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing reports from The Times of Israel and flotilla organizers, the location of the individuals on board the seized vessels remains unknown. Organizers further claimed that communication with several other ships has been lost, preventing crews from coordinating their actions or sending distress signals. The operation was reportedly carried out in international waters near the Greek island of Crete.
The Israeli Navy has urged the remaining participants of the mission to turn back or redirect their humanitarian cargo to the Port of Ashdod. At the port, the aid would undergo security inspections before being transferred to Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently announced sanctions against the organizers of the flotilla, which aimed to breach the blockade this weekend. This incident occurs amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing efforts by international activists to provide direct aid to the Palestinian enclave through maritime routes.
