In a recent escalation of tensions over humanitarian access to Gaza, Israeli forces intercepted a convoy of aid vessels hundreds of nautical miles from its coast, near the Greek island of Crete. The move, reported by Israeli media on Thursday, April 30, 2026, has been condemned by Hamas as an act of "piracy."
The flotilla, carrying humanitarian supplies intended for Palestinians in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, set sail from Barcelona, Spain, on April 12. Its journey was a direct challenge to Israel's longstanding blockade of the coastal enclave.
According to reports, Israeli naval forces moved to seize the vessels, though operational details remain limited. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein posted video footage alleging the discovery of drugs on board one ship, but did not specify the number of vessels intercepted or the exact location.
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan strongly denounced the interception. "This is an act of piracy and a clear violation of international law," Hamdan stated, reflecting the group's outrage over the incident.
The interception far from Israeli waters marks a significant development in the ongoing maritime disputes surrounding aid delivery to Gaza, highlighting the complex humanitarian and legal challenges in the region.
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Hamas condemns Israeli interception of Gaza-bound aid flotilla
cgtn.com
