Israeli forces intercepted 41 vessels from an international aid flotilla en route to Gaza, seizing boats in international waters east of Cyprus. Organizers report that 10 vessels continue sailing toward the besieged Palestinian territory, approximately 224 kilometers from Gaza. The flotilla, launched from Marmaris, Turkey, aimed to challenge Israel’s 18-year blockade, which Israel says prevents weapons from reaching Hamas and other armed groups. Over a dozen countries, including Turkiye, Spain, and Indonesia, condemned the raids as violations of international law and called for the immediate release of detained activists.

Among those detained is Margaret Connolly, an Irish doctor and sister of Ireland’s president, sparking diplomatic concern. President Catherine Connolly expressed distress after learning of her sister’s abduction during a visit to the UK. Israel’s foreign ministry had previously warned the flotilla to turn back, calling the mission a threat to national security. The operation marks one of the largest naval interceptions of a Gaza-bound aid convoy in recent years, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups.

Humanitarian organizations continue to denounce Israel’s blockade of Gaza as collective punishment, restricting food, fuel, and medical supplies. While the intercepted ships carried humanitarian aid, Israel maintains strict control over maritime access to prevent arms smuggling. The fate of the detained activists and the remaining 10 vessels remains uncertain as diplomatic pressure mounts.