Israeli forces intercepted dozens of Gaza-bound aid vessels in the eastern Mediterranean on Monday (18 May), prompting condemnation from the United Nations and Türkiye, while flotilla organisers said several ships continued sailing toward Gaza despite the operation.
The Global Sumud Flotilla group said Israeli forces intercepted 39 boats out of a 54-vessel convoy carrying humanitarian activists and aid supplies toward the Strip.
Eyewitness footage released by the organisers showed Israeli naval forces approaching and boarding the Munki vessel at night, with personnel heard shouting “IDF, IDF” as soldiers climbed aboard.
The group said the flotilla was approximately 250 nautical miles (463 kilometres) from Gaza at the time of the interceptions. Live video showed military vessels closing in on the convoy before boarding operations began.
Organisers said that this marked the third attempt to deliver aid to Gaza after previous flotillas were intercepted by Israel in international waters. It added that while dozens of vessels were stopped, some boats were still continuing toward Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla described the mission as a “legal, non-violent humanitarian” effort aimed at delivering aid amid worsening conditions.
“Military vessels are currently intercepting our fleet and forces are boarding the first of our boats in broad daylight,” the group said on X.
According to organisers, 426 people from 39 countries were participating in the mission, including 44 Turkish nationals.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said it “will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza” and urged participants in what it called a “provocation” to change course and turn back immediately.
The United Nations called for the situation to be handled peacefully and for those onboard to be protected.
“We want to make sure that all the people on the flotilla are not harmed. We want to make sure that this is handled in a peaceful manner,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq.
He added that longstanding UN concerns regarding interceptions on the high seas remain relevant.
Türkiye strongly condemned the operation, with officials describing it as an “act of piracy” and accusing Israel of “lawless actions.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged the international community to respond, while Ankara said it was working to ensure the safe return of Turkish citizens aboard the flotilla.
The interception comes amid continued international concern over humanitarian access to Gaza, where aid agencies report severe shortages of food, medicine and essential supplies.
Israel maintains that its naval blockade is necessary for security reasons and to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas.
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