From the Liveblog of
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Israeli Navy detains around 175 activists aboard Gaza flotilla
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Israeli Navy has detained some 175 activists from the flotilla that was sailing to the Gaza Strip to challenge Israel’s naval blockade.
In total, the Navy intercepted 21 of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s 58 vessels overnight near the Greek island of Crete, hundreds of nautical miles from Israel. The other boats have been warned to change course, or they will also be intercepted.
In a post on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry publishes a video showing some of the activists “enjoying themselves aboard Israeli vessels,” while adding that “approximately 175 activists from more than 20 boats of the condom flotilla are now making their way peacefully to Israel.”
Last night, the ministry published a video showing “condoms and drugs” that were found on one of the boats.
Approximately 175 activists from more than 20 boats of the condom flotilla are now making their way peacefully to Israel.
In the video: the activists enjoying themselves aboard Israeli vessels pic.twitter.com/0sz8kDpKLX
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) April 30, 2026
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