Israeli navy moves to seize Gaza-bound flotilla near Crete as activists report jamming, drones, and approaching warships.
Apr 29, 2026
Key Developments
- Activists report drones, frigates, and communication jamming targeting Gaza-bound flotilla.
- Israeli army confirms operation to seize vessels far from its coast near Crete.
- Israeli media say several ships already taken under control and may be towed to Ashdod.
- Flotilla includes around 100 boats and 1,000 international activists carrying humanitarian aid.
Flotilla Reports Jamming and Naval Approach
Activists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla said late Wednesday that their vessels were approached by warships and drones while communications systems were being jammed.
In statements cited by the Anadolu news agency, participants said multiple boats experienced disruptions as they continued sailing through the Mediterranean toward Gaza.
A message shared by the flotilla described the situation as an ongoing attack, noting that one of the vessels was being closely approached while most ships were facing signal interference.
Israeli military sources confirmed that the navy had begun operations to take control of the flotilla.
Video que circula por redes del llamado por radio de la fuerzas israelíes a los miembros de la Flotilla para que den media vuelta. https://t.co/5JEiW207zp pic.twitter.com/xLizfbSdC3
— Elías Levy Benarroch (@eliaslevyb) April 29, 2026
According to Israeli Army Radio, the decision was made to intercept the vessels hundreds of kilometers from Israel’s coastline, in international waters near the Greek island of Crete.
Sources cited by Israeli media said the scale of the flotilla—estimated at around 100 boats carrying approximately 1,000 activists—prompted the early interception.
Reports indicated that Israeli forces had already taken control of several vessels, with some expected to be towed to the port of Ashdod.
Humanitarian Mission to Gaza
The flotilla includes activists, volunteers, and representatives of civil society organizations from multiple countries, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and challenge the long-standing blockade.
Participants said they were continuing their journey despite the disruptions, emphasizing the humanitarian nature of the mission.
Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, with widespread destruction during the ongoing war leaving large numbers of Palestinians displaced.
This mission marks the second major flotilla effort in recent months.
A previous attempt in September 2025 ended with an Israeli attack on the vessels in October while they were sailing in international waters. Hundreds of international activists were detained before being deported.
The current operation signals a renewed confrontation at sea, as Israeli forces move to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza.
We remind our readers that publication of articles on our site does not mean that we agree with what is written. Our policy is to publish anything which we consider of interest, so as to assist our readers in forming their opinions. Sometimes we even publish articles with which we totally disagree, since we believe it is important for our readers to be informed on as wide a spectrum of views as possible.
