The organizers of a flotilla bound for Gaza say that Israeli forces have intercepted 41 of their boats in the eastern Mediterranean, with 10 vessels still sailing toward the Strip.
The closest vessel to Gaza, Sirius, is 145 nautical miles away, the group says.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said yesterday that it “will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza” and called on the flotilla to “turn back immediately.”
Ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla had set sail for a third time on Thursday from southern Turkey, after earlier attempts to breach the Gaza blockade were intercepted by Israel in international waters.
The IDF said yesterday that Israeli Navy forces intercepted at least 39 of the boats as of last night, detaining hundreds of activists who are expected to be brought to the port of Ashdod and deported. Israel released video yesterday of what it said were activists “hugging after being transferred to Israeli vessels.”
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From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
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