Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Flotilla, Says Participants Will Be Disembarked in Greece. 

Jerusalem:

Israel has confirmed that its military forces intercepted and halted a flotilla attempting to reach Gaza, describing the mission as a “provocation” and reaffirming its policy of enforcing a naval blockade on the territory.

In a statement released Friday, said that (IDF) units successfully blocked multiple vessels from breaching what Israel describes as a lawful maritime restriction on . According to Finance Minister  Gideon Sa’ar, the operation took place overnight and concluded without injuries.

“All participants in the flotilla were taken off the vessels unharmed,” Sa’ar said, adding that the individuals were transferred onto an Israeli ship.

He further noted that, in coordination with the , those detained would be transported and disembarked on a beach in within hours. Israel expressed appreciation for Greece’s cooperation in facilitating the transfer.

The flotilla, which Israeli officials labeled as “provocative,” was reportedly attempting to deliver aid directly to Gaza by sea. Israel maintains that such efforts violate its naval blockade, which it argues is necessary for security reasons.

Sa’ar urged humanitarian actors to use established mechanisms instead, specifically referencing the as the appropriate channel for delivering aid into Gaza. He emphasized that Israel would continue to prevent any unauthorized maritime access to the territory.

The interception comes amid ongoing international debate over humanitarian access to Gaza and the legality of the blockade, which has been a longstanding point of contention in the region.