Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - Organizers of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla accused Israel of "kidnapping" 211 activists in international waters near Crete, Greece, after Israeli naval forces intercepted over 20 vessels attempting to breach the Gaza blockade. Israel's Foreign Ministry countered that approximately 175 activists from the flotilla mocked as the condom flotilla after previous aid controversies are making their way peacefully to Israel aboard navy ships, releasing video of the detainees to support their narrative of lawful enforcement.

The Global Sumud Flotilla claimed Israeli commandos boarded at least 22 boats over 600 miles (965 km) from Gaza, calling the operation piracy and a violation of international law that endangers civilian mariners. Among the detained is a Paris city councilor and activists from over 20 countries; organizers lost contact with 11 vessels before confirming the raid, with some boats reportedly carrying symbolic aid like baby formula and medical supplies to highlight Gaza's crisis. Israel maintains the flotilla rejected alternative aid routes via Egypt or Jordan, serves as a Hamas-orchestrated publicity stunt, and violates naval blockade laws established post-2010 Mavi Marmara incident (where 9 activists died). The Foreign Ministry video shows calm detainees on deck, emphasizing no violence occurred as navy personnel provided water and blankets during transit to Ashdod Port for processing and deportation. This marks the latest in repeated flotilla confrontations: 2010's deadly raid, 2018's Return Flotilla turnback, and 2025's Madleen interception with Greta Thunberg among deportees. Activists frame it as nonviolent civil disobedience against collective punishment; Israel calls it a security threat enabling Hamas rearmament. Global reaction splits sharply: Amnesty International and UN rapporteurs decried the interception as disproportionate, Turkey summoned Israel's ambassador, while US and EU allies praised maritime enforcement amid terrorism concerns. Detainees face 48-72 hour hearings before expulsion, with flotilla leaders vowing immediate replacement vessels.

The flotilla raid reignites blockade tensions, pitting humanitarian defiance against Israel's security red line activists face deportation while organizers vow renewed attempts. Israel's video transparency aims to preempt kidnapping narratives, but international condemnation grows as Gaza's crisis deepens without alternative aid breakthroughs.