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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rj2vxgerbl#autoplay
IDF Intercepts Hamas-Backed Gaza Flotilla Far from Israel
(Ynet News) Itamar Eichner - The IDF began taking control of the Global Sumud Flotilla's Spring 2026 Mission to Gaza late Wednesday, west of Crete. An Israeli official said the decision to intercept the flotilla at such a great distance, in international waters, stemmed from its size: 58 vessels carrying 404 activists. In a video posted online by participants, the Israeli Navy can be heard hailing the flotilla. "This is the Israeli Navy. Attempts to breach the lawful maritime security blockade of Gaza constitute a violation of international law. If you wish to legally transfer aid to Gaza, you may do so through established and recognized channels. Please change your course and return to your port of origin. If you are carrying humanitarian aid, you are invited to proceed to the Port of Ashdod, where the aid will undergo security inspection and subsequently be transferred to Gaza." The Israel Foreign Ministry said the "medical aid" found on board consisted of "condoms and drugs." The Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that "the driving force behind the flotilla provocation is Hamas - joining hands with professional provocateurs - with the aim of sabotaging President Trump's peace plan transition to its second phase and intended to divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm." The ministry said that following UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which adopted Trump's peace plan, humanitarian activity in Gaza had been managed by the Board of Peace and the Civil-Military Coordination Center, which had sent "enormous quantities" of humanitarian aid into Gaza. "Like previous provocations, this is nothing but a PR stunt: a provocation without humanitarian aid."