Israeli authorities intercepted all vessels of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla late Tuesday and said 430 activists aboard were being transferred to Israeli ships and taken to Israel.

The flotilla had sailed from southwestern Turkey the previous Thursday. The interception is the latest in a series of attempts by activists to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

What happened to the Gaza flotilla and its activists?

Israeli forces took control of all vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla west of Cyprus and transferred all 430 activists to Israeli ships. The activists were taken to Israel, where they were told they could meet with their consular representatives.

The United States sanctioned four people associated with the flotilla on Tuesday, accusing them of being “pro-terrorist.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesman declared the operation complete.

“Another PR flotilla has come to an end,” the spokesman said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier described the flotilla as “a malicious scheme designed to break the blockade we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza.” Reuters reported that Israeli forces fired shots during the interception, though the Jerusalem Post said no live ammunition was directed at the flotilla.

Who was on board the Gaza flotilla?

The flotilla included around 50 ships and carried activists from multiple countries. Organisers said 15 Irish citizens were aboard, including Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. Nine Indonesian citizens were also reported detained, according to Indonesia’s foreign ministry, including two journalists from the newspaper Republika.

Indonesia called on Israel to immediately release all vessels and crew members, saying every diplomatic and consular channel would be used. Turkey and Spain also condemned the interception. The involvement of citizens from multiple countries added diplomatic weight to an operation Israel described as a publicity exercise.

Why is Israel blockading Gaza?

Israel has controlled all entry points into Gaza and maintained a blockade since 2007. During the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, the territory has faced severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies. Israel has at times halted aid deliveries entirely during the conflict.

A previous flotilla attempt was intercepted last month in international waters off Greece, with most activists expelled to Europe. The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest effort by activists to challenge the blockade directly. Israel has consistently framed such convoys as political stunts serving Hamas rather than genuine humanitarian efforts.