WARNING: Due to its nature and the very many actors involved, this event is likely to be continuously improved

To consult previous events concerning Humanitarian Flotilla: See

This campaign of the flotilla, launched on April 5 from Europe, aimed to challenge Israel’s longstanding maritime blockade and deliver aid to civilians facing severe shortages in Gaza. The flotilla included dozens (70) of vessels and more than 1,000 participants from multiple countries, marking one of the largest civilian-led maritime efforts to reach Gaza in recent years.

Timeline fo the events

On 30 April 2026: unlawful interception and seizure of vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli naval forces in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, over 1,000 kilometres from Gaza. At least 22 boats with 175 activists from a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza have been intercepted in international waters off Crete. The Global Sumud Flotilla reported that “military speedboats, self-identified as ‘Israel’, pointing lasers and semi-automatic assault weapons ordering participants to the front of the boats and to get on their hands and knees”.

According to what was reconstructed by activists and various media sources, the raid began in the early hours of 30 April with the deployment of drones, communications jamming systems, and armed naval units. The flotilla boats were progressively surrounded by large military ships, from which fast speedboats were launched for boarding operations.

Before the intervention, Israeli forces allegedly interfered with radio frequencies, broadcasting direct warnings to activists: the route to Gaza, described as “illegally blocked,” would put their lives at risk. Shortly after, naval commandos reportedly ordered civilians to move to the bow and kneel, while weapons and lasers were aimed at them.

On April 30, 2026, The Trump administration stated, via Mark Rubio, against the @gbsumudflotilla, threatening not only States that give safe harbor to the flotilla, but also U.S. citizens who dare to bring critical aid to Gaza. (archive )

On May 1, 2026, participants from the Global Sumud Flotilla testified they were violently treated after being intercepted by an Israeli warship in international waters more than 500 nautical miles from Gaza. They say some were punched, kicked, dragged with tied hands, and shot at with live and rubber bullets during the operation, particularly when resisting the detention of two organizers, Thiago Ávila and Saif Abukeshek, who remain held.

According to Lautaro Rivara (@LautaroRivara), writer and member of the Global Sumud Flotiall, Saif (did not intend to travel to the occupied territories, but rather to dock safely at a prior port; Israeli intelligence was aware of this. "Saif, who holds Spanish and Swedish nationality, could be detained under the harsh system of “administrative detention” because of his Palestinian background".

The Global Sumud Flotilla says eyewitnesses confirmed that Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish-Swedish national of Palestinian origin, was tortured aboard an Israeli military vessel after Israeli forces illegally intercepted 22 flotilla boats in international waters roughly 80 miles west of Crete. Witnesses say they heard Abukeshek’s screams after he was separated from the group.

175 civilian participants were taken aboard the Israeli vessel Nahshon to Greece. All were eventually released except Abukeshek and Brazilian national Thiago Ávila. They were not allowed to disembark in the Greek port of Ierapetra, despite the fact that the ship was in territorial waters of Greece Greek authorities did not act on legal interventions to prevent the transfer, GSF said, and the Nahshon has now left Greek waters and is expected to arrive in Israel on May 2.

Organizers report that 36 participants, including two British nationals, have been hospitalized in Crete with injuries such as broken bones, broken ribs, broken noses, and neck injuries. One person reportedly lost consciousness, and others showed signs of bloodied clothing and serious trauma. Nearly 200 additional participants are being held on buses by Greek authorities, which flotilla organizers accuse of closely cooperating with Israel. Activists also claim that during roughly 40 hours aboard an Israeli frigate they were denied sufficient food and water and forced to sleep on flooded floors. Sixty participants have begun a hunger strike in protest. Organizers say only 22 of 57 boats were intercepted, and the remaining vessels intend to continue toward Gaza.

RSF Condemns Seizure of Journalists as Israel Intercepts Gaza Flotilla:

Reporters Without Borders said Israeli forces “kidnapped” three journalists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted in international waters, escalating concerns over press safety and legal accountability in a conflict already marked by extensive restrictions on media access. The Paris-based organization identified the journalists as Hafed Mribah and Mahmut Yavuz of Al Jazeera, and Alex Colston of U.S.-based outlet Zeteo, and said Israel bears responsibility for their safety following detention.

On May 2, 2026, David Adler @davidrkadler testify: "I can confirm that both Saif and Thiago have been severely beaten and tortured by Israeli authorities. This is not a “questioning.” It’s an extrajudicial abduction to brutalize Israel’s critics without charge — but with blessing of the United States."

According to Adalah and confirmed by the Embassy of Brazil in Israel, Flotilla activists Thiago de Avila and Saif Abukeshek, kidnapped by Israeli occupation naval forces in international waters on April 30, have been beaten, blindfolded, held in stress positions, and interrogated by Shin Bet. De Avila lost consciousness twice and faces possible Mossad interrogation on "terrorist" suspicion. Both are on hunger strike and are due in court on May 3.