Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla Near Crete; Katz Cites Counterterrorism Law By The Media Line Staff Israeli naval forces intercepted the “Global Sumud” aid flotilla in international waters near Crete on April 30, 2026, stopping vessels attempting to breach the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip, according to reports. The Israeli Navy confronted the flotilla hundreds of miles […]
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The Media Line: Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla Near Crete; Katz Cites Counterterrorism Law
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Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla Near Crete; Katz Cites Counterterrorism Law
By The Media Line Staff
Israeli naval forces intercepted the “Global Sumud” aid flotilla in international waters near Crete on April 30, 2026, stopping vessels attempting to breach the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip, according to reports.
The Israeli Navy confronted the flotilla hundreds of miles from Gaza and moved to take control of several vessels. Israeli Army Radio reported that Israel had begun taking control of aid ships bound for Gaza.
The flotilla, described as a coalition effort to deliver aid and challenge the blockade, was intercepted in international waters near Greece. Reports indicated that some vessels were boarded and seized, and that participants were being taken to Israeli ports.
Flotilla organizers criticized the action, describing it as “piracy” and an “unlawful seizure” on the open sea.
In a post on Instagram, GSF said: “Our boats were approached by military speedboats, self-identified as ‘Israel,’ pointing lasers and semi-automatic assault weapons, ordering participants to the front of the boats and to get on their hands and knees. Boat communications are being jammed, and an SOS was issued.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the seizure was authorized under Israeli law, citing a provision of the Counterterrorism Law permitting action against ships and property intended for use in terror activity. He added that the Global Sumud flotilla “violates UN Resolution 2803, which stipulated that aid to Gaza should enter through accepted official channels.”
“Like previous provocations, this is nothing but a PR stunt: a provocation without humanitarian aid,” said the ministry. “As international media have exposed, these are professional provocateurs on pleasure cruises, addicted to self-promotion.”
The interception follows a similar, smaller operation in 2025 involving vessels seeking to challenge the blockade.