Israel started to take control of humanitarian aid ships to the Gaza Strip, operating far off its coasts," reported Israeli military media, which is referred to by news agencies. Details of the operations, including the number of units covered and their exact location, have not been officially disclosed. However, data from maritime surveillance systems propose that part of the fleet is located in the Mediterranean, close Crete.
The incidental was besides reported by humanitarian convoy organizers who left Barcelona in mid-April. According to their accounts, the units were detained by armed military boats, which they claim belong to Israel. Participants in the expedition were to be forced to comply with instructions issued by soldiers, and force measures were applied to the crews, including laser lighting and the threat of weapons use.
The organizers published a recording of messages calling for the flotilla to change course. According to the message, humanitarian aid should only be provided through officially recognised channels and ships have been called back or diverted to the Israeli port.
The fleet, with about 80 units and more than 1,000 participants from different countries, is 1 of 2 fresh initiatives to scope Gaza by sea. A second convoy, consisting of respective twelve ships, late departed Sicily.
Similar actions have taken place before. In September 2025 another flotilla, involving respective 100 people from respective twelve states, was detained by the Israeli Navy. Participants were then detained and then deported.
The current situation falls within the broader context of tensions around Gaza's blockade and attempts to break it by global activists.
This example clearly shows what the “humanity” of the Israeli armed forces looks like in practice.
