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Israel said on Thursday that activists intercepted at sea while attempting to reach the Gaza Strip will be taken to Greece to disembark, after the Israeli navy stopped a flotilla in international waters within Greece’s exclusive economic zone near the island of Crete.
The vessels were part of a flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, challenging Israel’s long-standing blockade. Israeli authorities said naval forces boarded more than 20 boats and removed dozens of activists.
The foreign ministry reported that about 175 people were taken from the vessels, while organizers gave a higher figure of 211, including a member of the Paris city council.
In a statement on X, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar said those transferred to the Israeli vessel would be brought to a Greek beach within hours. He said the move was coordinated with Athens and thanked the Greek government for agreeing to receive the group.
So far, Israel – through the IDF – has successfully blocked attempts to breach the lawful naval blockade on Gaza and the arrival of vessels from the provocative flotilla, including last night.
All participants in the provocative flotilla who were taken off the vessels were taken…— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) April 30, 2026
Activists and European governments reacted quickly. One of those on board accused Israel of forcibly detaining participants, saying her colleagues had been “kidnapped.”
Italy and Germany said they were following the situation with “deep concern,” while Spain condemned the seizure and summoned Israel’s charge d’affaires.
France said 15 of its nationals were detained, and Italy called for the release of its citizens, with local media reporting 24 Italians among those held. Organizers said those intercepted included Paris city councilor Raphaelle Primet.
Agence France-Presse said tracking data confirmed the interception occurred inside Greece’s exclusive economic zone. Organizers said the operation took place more than 1,000 kilometers from Gaza, far beyond previous incidents, which had reached about 185 kilometers.
Around 30 boats remain en route, most sailing in Greek waters south of Crete.
There were conflicting claims about the cargo. Israel’s foreign ministry said “drugs” were found on some vessels and released footage showing activists appearing relaxed aboard an Israeli ship. Activists rejected the claim.
— JUST IN: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that the Gaza flotilla activists will be brought ashore in Greece within hours.
• Sa’ar said the move was coordinated with the Greek government and thanked Athens for agreeing to receive the activists, after Israel… pic.twitter.com/FGV7gWvgJ0
— Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) April 30, 2026
The flotilla, made up of more than 50 vessels, departed in recent weeks from ports including Marseille, Barcelona, and Syracuse.
Foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said early intervention was necessary to prevent a breach of what Israel calls a lawful blockade and to reduce the risk of escalation.
Rights groups criticized the move. Amnesty International described the interception as “brazen.” Its director, Erika Guevara Rosas, said the operation showed the extent of Israel’s efforts to enforce the blockade.
Israel has controlled access to the Gaza Strip since 2007, when Hamas took power. The blockade has been widely criticized by the United Nations and aid groups, which say restrictions have contributed to shortages of food, water, and medicine during the war that began in October 2023. A ceasefire reached last year eased fighting, but humanitarian conditions remain fragile.
