The Israeli Navy has launched an interception operation against vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to breach Israel's naval blockade on Gaza.
Israeli forces, including reports of Shayetet 13 naval commandos, are actively boarding and taking control of multiple activist boats in international waters west of Cyprus. Live footage shows naval vessels and speedboats approaching the convoy, with warnings issued and initial boardings confirmed.
Current Developments:
The flotilla, consisting of over 50 vessels that departed Marmaris, Turkey on May 14, carries hundreds of activists and symbolic aid.
- Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla are live-posting videos of military vessels closing in and forces boarding at least one boat (including reports of the Turkish-linked "Marmara 2").
- No reports of casualties or major violence so far.
- Activists describe it as "illegal piracy"; Israel calls it a lawful, pre-planned enforcement of the blockade.
- Activists are being transferred; vessels are being secured and expected to be diverted.
