Israeli forces intercepted and boarded several vessels from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The flotilla was sailing toward Gaza. The group said one ship, The Conscience, carried 93 journalists, doctors and activists.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the military attacked The Conscience. The group also reported three smaller boats were intercepted on Wednesday. It said passengers were being held in unknown conditions.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the raid on X. The ministry called the attempt to breach the naval blockade “futile.” It said vessels and passengers were taken to an Israeli port. Israel added that all passengers were safe and would be deported promptly.
The flotilla organisers said the boats carried vital aid for Gaza. They listed medicines, respiratory equipment and food. The coalition valued the supplies at more than $110,000.
The interception follows a recent, larger operation. Israeli forces earlier stopped about 40 vessels. More than 450 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained. Many of those activists were later deported.
Countries and groups reacted strongly to the latest raid. Malaysia’s prime minister condemned the action. He urged Israel to release Malaysian activists immediately. Turkey’s foreign ministry called the move a “grave violation of international law.” It labelled the raid an act of piracy and noted Turkish citizens were aboard.
Political groups raised alarms about detainees’ welfare. Germany’s MERA25 said one of its members, Amira Zayed, was held. Irish, French and Danish activists were also reported among the detained.
Some activists have alleged mistreatment in custody. A French-Palestinian lawmaker said she was beaten after a previous interception. An American activist described being stripped, zip-tied and blindfolded in detention.
The Israeli government says it enforces a legal naval blockade for security reasons. It argues enforcement is needed to stop weapons and hostile entries. Organisers dispute this, saying the flotilla posed no threat and operated in international waters.
The flotilla incidents keep international attention on Gaza’s humanitarian needs. Aid groups say civilian supply routes remain constrained. The latest interceptions deepen tensions around efforts to deliver relief to the area.
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