Istanbul, May 19, 2026 — Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla say Israeli forces have intercepted 41 of their boats in the eastern Mediterranean, while 10 vessels remain underway toward Gaza.
The flotilla, which set out from southern Turkey for a third attempt to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip, comprises 54 vessels carrying 426 people from 39 countries, the organisers said. The closest ship to Gaza, the Sirius, was reported to be about 145 nautical miles from the enclave.
Israel’s foreign ministry reiterated on X that it “will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza,” and urged all participants to change course and return immediately.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, speaking in Ankara, condemned the Israeli interception and described the flotilla participants as “voyagers of hope,” calling on the international community to respond to Israel’s actions.
Ships in the flotilla had previously been intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters on earlier attempts, organisers say. The latest departure from southern Turkey followed those earlier efforts and aims to deliver humanitarian supplies and challenge the naval blockade.
The situation remains fluid as the remaining vessels continue toward Gaza and diplomatic responses develop. Reporting by Reuters.
