Israeli intervention against the Sumud Flotilla carrying 31 Turkish citizens: 18 Turkish activists detained!

It has been reported that ships belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which were sailing in the Mediterranean to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break the blockade, were stopped by Israeli military boats off the coast of Greece.

In a statement made on the flotilla's social media account, it was reported that military units approached the ships, identified themselves as Israeli, pointed lasers and semi-automatic weapons at the crew, and instructed some participants to kneel in front of the boats.

CONTACT LOST WITH 18 SHIPS

The statement noted that contact had been lost with 18 ships located in international waters in the Mediterranean, while some activists on the ships announced that the intervention had begun.

Member of the European Parliament Irene Montero also stated in a post on her social media account that the humanitarian aid ships had begun to be seized in international waters, noting that there were many European citizens on board and that this was a serious violation of international law.

31 TURKISH CITIZENS ARE ALSO ON BOARD

Many people on the flotilla also shared posts on social media regarding the intervention. The posts included information that communication with the ships had been cut off.

On the other hand, it was reported that there are a total of 31 Turkish citizens on the flotilla.

18 TURKISH ACTIVISTS DETAINED

The Global Sumud Flotilla issued the statement, "The Israeli military detained 18 Turkish activists during raids on the Global Sumud Flotilla."

THERE HAD BEEN PREVIOUS INTERVENTIONS

The Global Sumud Flotilla's "Spring 2026 Mission" set sail into the Mediterranean on April 26 after completing its preparations on the island of Sicily, Italy. It was reported that during the flotilla's previous attempt in September 2025, the Israeli military had also intervened against the ships in international waters, detaining the volunteers and taking them to Israel.

News Source: 12punto