Israel has begun intercepting aid vessels heading toward Gaza in international waters, according to an Israeli military source cited by army radio on Wednesday. The action has raised legal and humanitarian concerns.
The report did not provide details on how many ships were involved or their exact location.
Activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, said their vessels were approached by Israeli frigates and warships late Wednesday. They also reported communication jamming and drone surveillance over the fleet.
In a social media post, the flotilla stated: “The flotilla is under attack: the Bianca ship (Italy) is being approached, and most boats are experiencing jamming.”
The flotilla recently set sail from Barcelona as part of a renewed effort to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. It is joined by support vessels, including one from the Spanish aid group Open Arms and another operated by Greenpeace, the Arctic Sunrise.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, formed last year by international activist networks, takes its name from the Arabic word “sumud,” meaning steadfastness.
Israel has previously blocked similar attempts to reach Gaza by sea. In a past incident in autumn 2025, Israeli special forces boarded a flotilla of private boats and stopped it from reaching Gaza. Activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, were detained and later deported.
Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007. The blockade has been widely criticized, with ongoing debate over its humanitarian impact amid the conflict in the region.
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