Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said Thursday that Israeli military boats had surrounded their vessels in international waters as the convoy attempted to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

The flotilla, made up of more than 50 boats, was positioned off the Greek coast near Crete at the time, according to live tracking on the organization’s website.

What is happening to the Gaza flotilla right now?

Israeli military speedboats surrounded the flotilla in international waters, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla. The organization says communications with 11 vessels have been lost and an SOS was issued. Crew members reported laser sights and semi-automatic weapons being pointed at them, with orders to move to the front of their boats and kneel.

What did the flotilla organizers say about the interception?

In a post to X, the Global Sumud Flotilla said Israeli military boats had “illegally surrounded the flotilla in international waters and threatened kidnapping and violence.” Participants reported being approached by speedboats that self-identified as belonging to Israel. The organization said boat communications were being jammed at the time.

The flotilla set sail in recent weeks from three European ports: Marseille in France, Barcelona in Spain and Syracuse in Italy. It carries pro-Palestinian activists seeking to challenge the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza. The convoy has been tracked publicly through the organization’s website throughout its voyage.

Who organized the Gaza flotilla and how many ships are involved?

The Global Sumud Flotilla organized the convoy, which comprises more than 50 boats. The mission follows a previous flotilla of around 50 vessels in late 2025, which included political figures and activists such as Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

That convoy was boarded by the Israeli navy. Organizers and Amnesty International said the boarding was illegal, and crew members were arrested and subsequently expelled by Israel.

What is the background to the Gaza blockade?

Israel has maintained a blockade of the Gaza Strip since 2007, when Hamas took control of the territory. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating a ceasefire that came into effect on October 10, 2025, after two years of war.

The flotilla mission is aimed directly at challenging that blockade, which organizers say prevents essential aid from reaching Gaza’s population.