Israeli naval forces have intercepted multiple vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea near the Greek island of Crete, detaining activists onboard and stopping the mission aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The flotilla, which set sail from Italy earlier this week, includes around 58 vessels carrying participants from more than 70 countries. Organisers say the mission was intended to challenge the ongoing blockade on Gaza and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the territory.

According to Israeli officials, more than 20 boats have been taken under control, with approximately 175 activists detained. Other vessels remain at sea, continuing their course despite the interception.

Flotilla organisers described the operation as a violent raid carried out in international waters. In statements released after the incident, they accused Israeli forces of damaging vessels, disrupting communications and leaving civilians stranded in dangerous conditions as a storm approached. The Israeli military has not publicly responded to these specific claims.

Israeli authorities said the activists were warned to change course and were advised to deliver aid through what they described as established and recognised channels, including the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The interception has drawn sharp international reactions. Turkey condemned the operation as an act of piracy, while Italy called for the immediate release of its citizens detained onboard. Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur, questioned how such an operation could take place in international waters.

Israel’s defence minister stated that the flotilla was linked to Hamas and justified the interception as part of security measures tied to the longstanding blockade on Gaza.

The blockade, in place since 2007, has been widely criticised by international organisations. The ongoing war has intensified shortages of food, water, medicine and fuel, deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The latest interception adds to a series of similar incidents in recent years, highlighting growing tensions over attempts to break the blockade and increasing international scrutiny over the legality of such operations.