Italy condemned the Israeli navy's seizure of ships from the "Global Flotilla of Steadfastness" carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip, describing the detention of Italian solidarity activists as an "illegal measure." Rome demanded the immediate release of all Italian nationals. Germany and Italy issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" over the developments and calling for international law to be respected. The Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla ships late yesterday in international waters near Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula, detaining crews from at least 22 boats near Crete. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that all participants were "taken off unharmed," adding that activists would be transferred to Greece.
Flotilla's Mission and Interception
The vessels were part of a second Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to break an Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has been in place since 2007. This flotilla, consisting of about 58 vessels carrying people from across 70 countries, sailed from the Spanish port of Barcelona on April 12, 2026, and also departed from Italy on Sunday. Israel intercepted 22 out of 58 aid boats traveling through international waters and bound for the Gaza Strip. According to a live tracker on the flotilla’s website, 22 boats have been intercepted so far, while 36 vessels are still sailing.
An Israeli navy officer urged activists to alter their course, stating, "If you wish to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, you may do so through established and recognised channels. Please change course and return to the port of origin. If you are carrying humanitarian aid, you are invited to proceed to the port of Ashdod." The Global Sumud Flotilla described the interception as a “violent raid in international waters,” calling it an "act of piracy." The group stated that "after smashing engines and destroying navigation arrays, the military retreated – intentionally leaving hundreds of civilians stranded on powerless, broken vessels directly in the path of a massive approaching storm." They added, "Same script, different year. The Israeli navy thinks a radio warning can drown out the cries for justice." Reports indicated the vessels’ communications had been jammed, hindering them from signaling for help. Helene Coron, a spokesperson for Global Sumud France, stated the operation took place at an “unprecedented” distance from Israel.
International Reactions and Legal Claims
Italy and Germany's joint statement called for full respect for international law and avoidance of "irresponsible actions," affirming their commitment to ensuring the safety of their citizens participating in the flotilla. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Israel’s interception of Gaza-bound aid vessels illegal, stating, "Israel is once again violating international law by attacking a civilian flotilla in waters that do not belong to it." Spain’s foreign ministry subsequently summoned Israel’s charge d’affaires to convey its protest. Hamas condemned the interception, accusing Israel of committing a crime without accountability. Amnesty International called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained activists, asserting, "The crew of the intercepted vessels must be immediately and unconditionally released," and demanding that "while in custody, the Israeli authorities must ensure that all activists are immediately granted access to consular support, treated humanely and protected from torture and other ill-treatment." Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, questioned, "How on earth is possible that Israel is allowed to assault and seize vessels in international waters just off Greece/Europe?" The UN describes the blockade as "a direct contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law." Al Jazeera Media Network holds Israeli authorities "fully responsible for the safety" of its journalists on board. Aid agencies report the war in Gaza has led to severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel, and the death of more than 72,500 Palestinians.
Israel's Justification and Activist Accounts
Israel’s Foreign Ministry characterized the flotilla organizers as "professional provocateurs" and maintained that its forces acted lawfully. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday that he had imposed sanctions on the flotilla, alleging it was "organised by the Hamas terror organisation, in cooperation with additional international organisations." Gideon Saar, Israel's Foreign Minister, wrote on X that "All participants in the provocative flotilla who were taken off the vessels were taken off unharmed." Flotilla organizers, however, reported that Israel "kidnapped" 211 of the 400 activists, including a Paris city councillor. Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed 175 detentions, among them Raphaelle Primet, a Paris Communist municipal councillor, and ten other French nationals.
Italy's ANSA news agency cited organizer sources stating 24 Italians had been detained. Flotilla organizers asserted that Israel's actions represent a dangerous and unprecedented escalation, describing it as the "abduction of civilians in the middle of the Mediterranean, over 600 miles from Gaza." Last October, Israel intercepted approximately 40 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla, arresting more than 450 activists, including Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned Israel for "kidnapping" three journalists aboard the aid flotilla.