Israel Intercepts 20 Aid Ships to Gaza and Arrests 175 Activists

Israel Intercepts Aid Ships Heading to Gaza in International Waters

Israel intercepted humanitarian aid ships heading to the Gaza Strip in international waters near Greece on Thursday, April 30, 2026, as part of a fleet aimed at delivering aid and breaking the blockade imposed on the region.

According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, 175 activists aboard 20 boats were intercepted during the operation.

Details of the Interception Operation and Number of Ships and Activists

Official sources confirmed that the interception operation included the seizure of ships belonging to the "Global Solidarity Fleet," which set out in an attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The operation took place in a maritime area near the island of Crete, hundreds of miles away from the Gaza Strip, according to statements from the organizers.

Response from the Organizers of the Global Solidarity Fleet and Their Description of the Incident

The fleet organizers stated that what occurred represents "piracy and illegal detention on the high seas," asserting that the ships were intercepted in international waters.

They added that this action reflects, in their words, Israel's continued evasion of any international accountability, especially regarding the obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Israeli Position and Official Statements

For his part, Danny Danon, Israel's envoy to the United Nations, stated that the fleet "was stopped before reaching the Israeli area," confirming that the Israeli army dealt with the participants "professionally and resolutely," describing them as "a group of provocateurs seeking attention," according to his expression.

Background of the Aid Fleet and Previous Attempts to Break the Blockade

The fleet set off from the Spanish city of Barcelona on April 12, as part of an initiative aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza by sending humanitarian aid.

The "Global Solidarity Fleet" initiative had organized a previous attempt last October, which ended with the arrest of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and more than 450 participants after their ships were intercepted.

Ongoing Controversy Over Humanitarian Aid to the Gaza Strip

Israel denies continuing to prevent aid from reaching the Gaza Strip, asserting that supplies are passing normally, while Palestinian and international relief organizations confirm that the volume of aid remains insufficient to meet the needs of over two million people in the region, despite ceasefire agreements that included promises to increase humanitarian support.