Israeli troops begin intercepting vessels from a flotilla trying to
breach the Gaza blockade
[May 18, 2026]
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The Israeli military began intercepting
several boats on Monday morning that are part of a flotilla attempting
to break the Gaza blockade.
More than 50 vessels departed from the port in Marmaris last week in
what the organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla described as the final
leg of their journey to Gaza’s shores.
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Boats belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying activists and
humanitarian aid, depart for Gaza from the port of Marmaris, Turkey,
Thursday, May 14, 2026, in an attempt to break the Israeli naval
blockade. (AP Photo/Murat Kocabas) |
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The organization’s livestream showed activists aboard several
vessels putting on life jackets and raising their hands before a
boat carrying troops approached. Israeli troops wearing tactical
gear boarded the ship, and the livestream abruptly ended. Many
of the ships are currently off the coast of Cyprus.
An hour prior to the interception, Israel’s Foreign Ministry
called activists to “change course and turn back immediately.”
“Once again, a provocation for the sake of provocation: another
so-called “humanitarian aid flotilla” with no humanitarian aid,”
the Foreign Ministry posted on X. The Israeli military declined
to comment on the ongoing operation.
On April 30, Israeli forces intercepted more than 20 boats from
a flotilla near the southern Greek island of Crete, initially
holding about 175 activists. The incident drew protests and
condemnation from several countries and raised questions about
what any nation can legally do to enforce a blockade in
international waters. Israeli officials said they had to act
early because of the high number of boats involved.
Israel took two of the activists — a Spanish-Swedish citizen of
Palestinian origin, Saif Abukeshek, and Brazilian citizen Thiago
Ávila — back to Israel where they were interrogated and detained
for several days. The activists accused Israel of torture, which
Israel denied. Brazil and Spain condemned Israel for
“kidnapping” their citizens. The two were deported from Israel
on Sunday.
Organizers say the latest efforts involved a regrouped fleet
following Israel’s interception, joined by additional boats.
Nearly 500 activists from 45 countries were taking part.
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