From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 18, 2026
Israel warns Gaza flotilla to ‘turn back immediately’ as it prepares to intercept ships
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Israeli Navy is gearing up to soon intercept an activist mission sailing to the Gaza Strip to challenge Israel’s naval blockade.
The Foreign Ministry says in a statement that “Israel calls on all participants in this provocation to change course and turn back immediately.”
Once again, a provocation for the sake of provocation: another so-called “humanitarian aid flotilla” with no humanitarian aid. This time, two violent Turkish groups – Mavi Marmara and IHH, the latter designated as a terrorist organization – are part of the provocation.
The…
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 18, 2026
According to tracking data, Global Sumud Flotilla — which includes some 57 vessels — is currently west of Cyprus, after departing from Turkey’s Mediterranean coast on Thursday.
Israel has previously dismissed the flotillas as publicity stunts, after their organizers rejected calls to transfer the small amount of symbolic aid they had been carrying with them to Israel or international organizations to be taken into the Strip and distributed via official channels.
The Times of Israel Community.