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Israeli forces board Gaza-bound flotilla near Cyprus

2026-05-18 14:48:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Pro-Palestinian activists say Israeli forces are stopping a flotilla of more than 50 ships carrying aid to Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) said its fleet was boarding what it called an illegal act of piracy about 250 nautical miles (460 km) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli naval blockade. Its video broadcast showed armed commandos boarding several vessels.

There was no immediate comment from Israel. Earlier, Israel's foreign ministry described the flotilla as "a provocation for the sake of provocation" and said it involved "two violent Turkish groups."

Last month, Israeli forces stopped 22 ships from the same flotilla near Crete.

In that incident, around 175 activists on board were detained, all but two of whom were released on the Greek island the next day after widespread international condemnation.

Spanish citizen Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian citizen Thiago Ávila were returned to Israel for questioning and deported after spending 10 days in detention.

The remaining ships of the flotilla then sailed to the Turkish port of Marmaris, from where about 50 ships departed last Thursday and headed southeast towards Gaza.

Activists on board said they needed to reach Gaza to deliver long-awaited aid to Palestinians in the territory, where living conditions are dire and most of the population of 2.1 million is displaced, despite a ceasefire agreed by Israel and Hamas seven months ago.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said it would not allow any violation of the naval blockade on Gaza, which it insisted was legal, and described Gaza as "flooded with aid."

The UN said last week that humanitarian operations continue to be hampered by restrictions on the import of critical spare parts, backup generators and other equipment, as well as shortages of essential inputs, including fuel and engine oil.

It also said that only 86% of the humanitarian supplies initially approved by Israeli authorities for entry into Gaza were ultimately unloaded at border crossings. The remaining supplies were returned to their points of origin.

The Gaza War was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, when about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

Israel responded by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 72,760 people have been killed, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry./CNA