The Global Sumud Flotilla’s organising body said Israeli military vessels encircled the convoy in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, jamming communications and cutting contact with 11 ships.
The flotilla, carrying more than 400 civilians, aimed to open a humanitarian sea corridor to Gaza and deliver aid to the enclave, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which began in October 2023, further exacerbated the situation of the enclave, killing at least 72,600 Palestinians, injuring over 172,400, and causing massive destruction affecting about 90 percent of the civilian infrastructure.
Despite a ceasefire agreement in place since October 2025, Israel has continued its attacks on Gaza and has limited the entry of aid into the enclave.