Israeli naval forces intercepted last night over 20 vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla as they attempted to reach Gaza, which remains under blockade amid ongoing war.
Among those detained were six Moroccan nationals, including Aziz Ghali, Ayoub Habraoui, Younes Ait Yassine, Abdeladim Ben Daraoui, Youssef Ghalal and Yassine Lafram, according to the AMDH and local pro-Palestine activists.
They are among a total of 223 international activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid convoy to have been detained by the Israeli forces
Despite the interception, other vessels delayed by technical issues in European ports reportedly plan to continue toward Gaza.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said participants would be transferred into Israel and subsequently expelled to Europe.
Organizers said Israeli forces boarded the ships about 70 nautical miles (130 km) off Gaza’s coast, cut communications and jammed signals. Flotilla tracking data indicates that dozens of vessels remain en route.
Israel maintains the operation was lawful under its naval blockade and said no one on board was harmed.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated on X: “Hamas-Sumud passengers … are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin.”
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry called the interception a violation of international law, insisting Israel lacks authority over Gaza’s adjacent waters.
Spain summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Madrid; the British Foreign Office said it “expects the situation to be resolved safely, in line with international law and with due respect for the rights of all those on board.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla launched in mid-2025 to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza and to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid.
Similar initiatives in 2025 have faced drone strikes and naval interceptions.
The Gaza war has produced large-scale civilian casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis.
One intercepted vessel was reported to have broken away and entered Gaza’s waters.
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