ISTANBUL May 2, 2026 – Dozens of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla landed in Istanbul late Friday after Israeli forces intercepted their Gaza-bound humanitarian convoy in international waters, according to organizers and multiple reports.
A special flight carrying 59 activists—including 18 Turkish nationals and citizens from the United States, Argentina, Australia, and other countries—arrived at Istanbul Airport. They were welcomed by supporters, family members, and officials at the VIP terminal. Organizers of the flotilla claimed the activists were mistreated during detention following the raid.
The interception occurred late on April 29 in international waters off the coast of Crete, Greece—approximately 600 nautical miles (965 km) from Gaza. Israeli naval forces boarded and seized around 21–22 vessels from the multi-national flotilla, detaining roughly 175 activists initially. Most were transferred to the Greek island of Crete before being repatriated. Two prominent leaders, Saif Abukeshek (a Spanish-Palestinian activist) and Thiago Ávila (a Brazilian activist), both members of the flotilla’s steering committee, remain in Israeli custody for questioning. Spain and Brazil have accused Israel of “kidnapping” their citizens.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led initiative involving vessels from Spain, France, Italy, and other nations, aimed to deliver verified humanitarian aid—including medical supplies and essentials requested by Palestinian organizations in Gaza—and to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the territory. Organizers described the Israeli action as “piracy” and an “illegal boarding” in international waters, alleging the use of force, communication jamming, physical violence, and injuries to participants. Amnesty International condemned the operation as “brazen and unlawful,” expressing concerns over arbitrary detention.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated the interception was necessary to prevent a breach of its lawful naval blockade on Gaza and described the flotilla as a “PR stunt.” The navy acted early due to the large number of vessels and the risk of escalation.
Video footage shared by Al Jazeera and flotilla organizers showed activists raising their hands during the boarding and later scenes of the group arriving in Istanbul, where they embraced supporters waving flags. Organizers reported that some vessels sustained damage and that activists were held without adequate food or water for extended periods.
The incident has sparked protests in cities including Rome, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and Istanbul. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry criticized the action as a violation of humanitarian principles and international law. The flotilla is part of a broader international solidarity movement responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This was the second major attempt by the Global Sumud Flotilla in recent months; a previous convoy in late 2025 was also intercepted.
The two activists still held by Israel have not been released as of Saturday. Flotilla organizers continue to call for their immediate freedom and international pressure on Israel.
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