MOGADISHU — Naval forces from Israel have intercepted and seized a flotilla of boats attempting to reach the Gaza Strip in Palestine, according to activists and maritime sources, in an operation that reportedly took place in international waters near Greece.
The interception occurred overnight, with witnesses describing a coordinated military operation involving drones, naval vessels and smaller assault boats. Activists aboard the flotilla said communications were disrupted shortly before the raid, with signal-jamming equipment cutting off contact with the outside world.
According to multiple accounts, unmanned aerial vehicles began circling above the boats before Israeli naval units approached. At least two warships are believed to have taken part in the operation, supported by fast-moving craft carrying members of an elite naval commando unit, widely identified as Shayetet 13.
The flotilla, which had reportedly planned a stop near the Greek island of Crete before continuing towards Gaza, was intercepted approximately 54 miles from Greek territorial waters and around 1,000 kilometres from the Palestinian enclave.
Witnesses said armed personnel boarded the vessels and ordered those on board to kneel, using weapons and laser targeting devices to enforce compliance. The operation concluded with Israeli forces taking control of all vessels and redirecting them away from their intended destination.
“They came suddenly — we did not understand what was happening,” said Khalil Erdomush, one of the activists detained during the operation. “We never imagined Israeli forces could take our boats while we were in European waters, in international seas.”
Erdomush alleged that some passengers were beaten during the boarding, and that several individuals remain in detention. “Two of our friends are still on the ship — one from Brazil and another from Spain. We are deeply concerned about their safety,” he said.
He added that detainees were transferred to another vessel under harsh conditions. “They placed us in a space like containers, very crowded. Water was sprayed everywhere, and we were left shivering in the cold throughout the night until morning,” he said.
There was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities on the details of the operation. Israel has previously enforced a naval blockade on Gaza, saying it is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching militant groups in the territory.
The apparent lack of response from Greece, despite the proximity of the incident to its waters, has drawn attention. Analysts note that Athens maintains close diplomatic and security ties with Israel, which may have influenced its decision not to intervene.
The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of maritime operations linked to Gaza and raise renewed legal and political questions over actions conducted in international waters, particularly concerning the safety of civilians and humanitarian missions.
Reporting by regional correspondents; additional details from maritime and activist sources.
