The Israeli military intercepted a nine-boat flotilla attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza early Wednesday in the Mediterranean Sea, detaining scores of activists onboard. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition & Thousand Madleens to Gaza carried 145 activists, including doctors, European parliament members, and national lawmakers from Turkey, Denmark, France, and Belgium, who were intercepted approximately 120 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast.

“Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated on X. Activists described the interception as “arbitrary and unlawful”. The flotilla’s largest boat, Conscience, had two Israeli citizens among its passengers and carried food and medical aid destined for Gaza hospitals.

Footage showed Israeli ships approaching the vessels, followed by troop boarding, cutting off live broadcasts. An Israeli helicopter reportedly flew overhead; no injuries were reported. Turkey condemned the act as “piracy”, citing serious international law violations, and accused Israel of escalating tensions. Turkish authorities launched diplomatic efforts to secure detained citizens’ release.

This interception follows last week’s Global Sumud Flotilla seizure involving over 40 boats and 450 activists, including Greta Thunberg, sparking widespread protests and Italy’s one-day strike. Six activists from Norway, Morocco, and Spain remain detained. Deported activists previously alleged mistreatment by Israeli guards, claims Israel denies.

The flotillas emerge amid intense Gaza war criticism; Israel’s offensive has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, half reportedly women and children, per Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel cites containment of Hamas, governing Gaza since 2007, justifying blockades critics call collective punishment. Concurrently, Israel and Hamas held indirect Sharm Al-Sheikh negotiations Wednesday with US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey delegations.

The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack killed 1,200 Israelis, abducting 251; 48 hostages remain in Gaza, around 20 believed alive. Flotilla activists aim to establish Gaza’s humanitarian sea corridor, vowing future attempts despite Israel’s interceptions.