Israeli military forces intercepted boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Greece on Thursday, detaining 175 activists from more than 20 vessels, according to the Israeli foreign ministry.
The flotilla - carrying activists and aid - aimed to break the naval blockade of Gaza. The group reported that 11 vessels went silent and 15 were boarded, accusing Israeli soldiers of conducting a "violent raid" and disabling ships with lasers and semi-automatic weapons.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon defended the operation, saying soldiers acted "with professionalism and determination" to stop a "provocative flotilla" before it reached Israeli waters.
The group vowed to continue delivering aid to Gaza, claiming Palestinians have been sidelined amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. In October 2025, Israel intercepted a previous mission by the same flotilla, detaining over 450 activists - including Greta Thunberg - who were later released and returned home.