JERUSALEM/ATHENS: Organisers of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on Thursday said Israel’s army had “kidnapped” 211 activists, including a Paris city councillor, in a raid in international waters off Greece.
Helene Coron, a spokesperson for the Global Sumud France, told an online news conference that the operation had taken place near the island of Crete, at an “unprecedented” distance from Israel.
Earlier, Israel’s military said it had detained approximately 175 activists participating in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, intercepting the vessels in international waters near Greece.
Tonight, the world is witnessing the export of the Israeli military’s doctrine of engineered abandonment. In a violent raid in international waters, Israeli naval forces have intercepted, boarded, and systematically disabled various boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
After… pic.twitter.com/lXFp6c0tzV
— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) April 30, 2026
The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed that the activists, travelling on more than 20 boats, were taken into custody and are being transported to Israel.
A video released by the ministry showed detainees aboard an Israeli naval vessel.
Organisers of the flotilla, however, reported that the operation took place while their vessels were sailing off the coast of the Greek island of Crete.
They claimed the boats were surrounded by Israeli military ships before the interception.
📌 TIMELINE – Global Sumud Flotilla near Crete
🗓️ April 29, 2026
📍 Around 58 vessels sail in international waters, hundreds of miles from Gaza🕘 21:00 GMT – Israeli speedboats, drones approach flotilla
🕤 21:30 GMT – Forces identify themselves, order course change
🕤 21:30… pic.twitter.com/2WtkWRB5fN— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) April 30, 2026
The convoy, comprising more than 50 vessels, had departed over recent weeks from several Mediterranean ports, including Marseille in France, Barcelona in Spain, and Syracuse in Italy.
The mission was organised by pro-Palestinian activists aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the Global Sumud Flotilla accused Israeli forces of unlawfully encircling the vessels in international waters and threatening those on board. The group also reported losing communication with at least 11 boats during the incident.
According to the organisers, Israeli speedboats approached the flotilla, with personnel identifying themselves as Israeli forces.
They alleged that weapons, including semi-automatic firearms, were pointed at participants, who were instructed to gather at the front of the vessels and kneel.
The group further claimed that communications were disrupted and an SOS signal had been issued.
Tonight, the world is witnessing the export of the Israeli military’s doctrine of engineered abandonment. In a violent raid in international waters, Israeli naval forces have intercepted, boarded, and systematically disabled various boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
After… pic.twitter.com/lXFp6c0tzV
— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) April 30, 2026
Israel maintains strict control over access to Gaza, a policy widely criticised by the United Nations and international humanitarian organisations.
Critics argue that the blockade has severely restricted the flow of essential goods, contributing to acute shortages since the outbreak of war in October 2023.
This is not the first such confrontation. In late 2025, a similar flotilla involving around 50 boats and prominent activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli forces.
Those on board were detained and subsequently deported, a move condemned by organisers and human rights groups as unlawful.
Separately, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has accused Israel of using access to water as a tool of pressure in Gaza. In a recent report, the organisation alleged that restrictions on water supplies amount to collective punishment of Palestinians.
MSF stated that it is one of the largest providers of drinking water in Gaza after the local authorities.
However, between May and November 2025, it reported that approximately 20 per cent of its water distribution efforts were unsuccessful due to insufficient supply.
The organisation also highlighted operational challenges, noting that Israeli military displacement orders prevented its teams from reaching previously served areas.
Additionally, around one-third of MSF’s requests to import essential water and sanitation equipment were either denied or left unanswered.
These supplies included desalination units, pumps, chlorine for water treatment, storage tanks, and sanitation facilities.
MSF warned that continued restrictions could have serious consequences for public health, hygiene, and overall living conditions in Gaza.
